BACKGROUND: What began as a small gathering of Student Leadership classes a decade ago has grown to a professional student-led leadership development conference. The idea was conceived by Concord High’s Leadership class to provide an opportunity for collaboration among regional student leaders; nothing similar existed at the time. In its inaugural year, the day centered around students getting to know fellow students from other schools, team-building games, and sharing ideas about events that could be put together at the high schools to promote student engagement. While these activities continue, the event now includes student-led workshops on personal development as a leader and other topics and has grown to include a dozen schools from six regional districts.

The keynote speaker this year will be Kevin Laue, a San Jose native and the first player missing a limb to play NCAA Division 1 basketball. Kevin overcame the early death of his father, a challenging home environment and a legion of critics to become one of the top high school basketball players in California while earning a scholarship to join the Manhattan College Jaspers. As a motivational speaker, Kevin is acclaimed for his presentations on the importance of goals and dreams, and what it takes to be a leader.

Students attending tomorrow’s conference will represent the following districts and schools:

District

School(s)

Antioch Unified School District

Deer Valley High School

Berean Christian High School

Berean Christian High School

Campbell Union High School District

Branham High School

Liberty Union High School District

Heritage High School

Martinez Unified School District

Alhambra High School, Vicente Martinez High School

Mt. Diablo Unified School District

College Park High School, Concord High School, Mt. Diablo High School, Northgate High School, Ygnacio Valley High School, Clayton Valley Charter High School

AGENDA

Time

Activity

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Registration and Breakfast

9:00 – 9:20 a.m.

Cheer battles and mascot dance battles

9:20 – 9:50 a.m.

School vs. school games

9:55 – 10:45 a.m.

Keynote with Kevin Laue

10:50 - 11:35 a.m.

Idea Swap Sessions (Three 10-minute rotations)

1- 10:55- 11:05 a.m.

2- 11:10- 11:20 a.m.

3- 11:25- 11:35 a.m.

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Workshops (Two 25-minute sessions)

1- 11:45 a.m. -12:10 p.m.

2-12:15 - 12:40 p.m.

All workshop speakers are Concord High School Leadership students. Topics will include:

Confidence in One Another

Service Above Self

Understanding Your Brand

Developing Strong Habits

The Magic Behind Leadership

12:45 – 1:25 p.m.

Lunch

1:30 – 2:15 p.m.

Dance Party

2:20 - 2:30 p.m.

Closing Session

The on-site contact for the event is Leah Darby, ASB advisor, at darbyl@mdusd.net or (925) 687-2030, ex. 8302.

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About the Mt. Diablo Unified School District

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, and Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated areas of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking over 50 languages and dialects. MDUSD offers award-winning and innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is pleased to have expanded its middle college program, College Now, and opened its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet schools in 2017. Learn more athttp://www.mdusd.org/.

El Monte Elementary School Students in Concord to Participate in Classroom Champions’ February Student Champion Chat featuring Top American Athlete Mentors

What: The third Classroom Champions’ Student Champion Chat of the school year featuring four of America’s best athletes competing at the top levels of their sport. Focusing on goal setting and streaming live on SportsEngine, the 45-minute moderated chat offers students from all schools across the US an opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the athletes via Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #CClivechats.

Media is invited to cover the chat and interview the students and teachers about Classroom Champions. On-site contact is Catherine Wittman, Classroom Champions, 510.501.6416, or cwittman@classroomchampions.org.

About Classroom Champions:

Classroom Champions has partnered more than 125 world class athletes, para-athletes, college athletes and NFL players as mentors with more than 1000 classrooms across North America. Using the current digital landscape to scale their reach, the program utilizes monthly video lessons, live chat’s and social media, to build mentoring relationships between the athletes and students throughout the school year.

By using available technology, the athletes can give back to their communities while still maintaining their rigorous training and competition schedules. Their mentoring provides social and emotional learning (SEL) support to students and teachers that builds on critical areas such as interpersonal skills, school engagement, digital literacy, perseverance and goal setting.

This year, Classroom Champions has mentored its 25,000th student. Their programming has operated in 7 countries, including the US and Canada, and continues to challenge students to recognize their potential, set goals and dream big while also educating them in the practical use of communications technology

3rd annual conference provides professional development for local teachers, administrators and Special Education staff, plus hands-on activities with robots, laser cutters and the latest educational technology

WHAT: 2018 MDUSD and East Bay CUE STEM and EdTech Symposium

WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 2018, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Valley View Middle School, 181 Viking Drive, Pleasant Hill

BACKGROUND: Nearly 500 teachers and administrators from the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and surrounding areas will gather to learn, share, collaborate, and play with new educational technology at the 3rd Annual MDUSD & East Bay CUE (Computer Using Educators) STEM & EdTech Symposium, sponsored by the Andeavor Foundation. STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering and math, is a critical instructional focus for MDUSD to help students develop capabilities to succeed in an increasingly scientific and technological society.

The purposes of the Symposium are to:

Build collaboration and communication between staff members of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and its neighboring schools/school districts in the areas of STEM and education technology integration

Provide STEM and EdTech thinking and problem-solving professional development for teachers, administrations and Special Education staff

Introduce and share resources from and between educators and other professionals who are using them now

Provide professional development that is fun, with hands-on and integrated activities

The symposium will open at 8:30 am with keynote speaker, Jon Corippo, Interim Executive Director for CUE. Teachers and administrators will have options to attend a variety of classes, including:

The symposium will also feature Andeavor’s STEM Lending Library where teachers can try out the latest technology teaching tools such as Ozobots, Raspberry Pi’s and laser cutters before using them in their classes. Valley View Middle School’s Jag Tech Team students will be present to guide and assist as needed. Students from College Park High School’s FIRST Robotics team will be standing by to show off fun tools and their newly-built robot before it goes to competition.

The Symposium is fully funded by the Andeavor Foundation, generously sponsoring the cost of meals (catered by the Diablo Valley College culinary program – featuring former MDUSD culinary students now furthering their career pathway studies), tech and other support staff, and giveaways.

# # #

About the Mt. Diablo Unified School District

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, and Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated areas of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking over 50 languages and dialects. MDUSD offers award-winning and innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is pleased to have expanded its middle college program, College Now, and opened its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet schools in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

About Andeavor

Andeavor is a premier, highly integrated marketing, logistics and refining company. Andeavor's retail-marketing system includes more than 3,100 retail stations marketed under multiple well-known fuel brands, including ARCO®, SUPERAMERICA®, Shell®, Exxon®, Mobil®, Tesoro®, USA Gasoline(TM) and Giant®. It also has ownership in two logistics businesses, which include Andeavor Logistics LP (NYSE: ANDX) and Western Refining Logistics, LP (NYSE: WNRL) and ownership of their general partners. Andeavor operates 10 refineries with a combined capacity of approximately 1.2 million barrels per day in the mid-continent and western United States. Learn more at http://www.andeavor.com/.

WHAT: Mt. Diablo Unified’s 2018 STEM Showcase will feature projects from approximately 300 junior geniuses from 28 different school sites. The STEM Showcase is an updated take on the traditional science and engineering fair in MDUSD; teachers have completely re-written the processes to be fully-aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) which enable students to learn science by doing science.

WHEN: Saturday, March 10, 2018, 9 – 11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

OVERVIEW: The STEM Showcase provides a venue for students from across Mt. Diablo Unified to present projects, experiments, and findings, demonstrating their creativity and critical thinking skills. Projects for this year’s event are being submitted. Projects from last year’s event included:

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are a new set of K–12 science standards that were developed by states, for states. The NGSS identify scientific and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas in science that all K–12 students should master in order to prepare for success in college and 21st-century careers.

The NGSS promote five key principles:

Three Dimensional Learning: There are three equally important, distinct dimensions to learning science included in the NGSS: Scientific and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. The NGSS connect all three dimensions. To prepare students for success in college and 21st century careers, the NGSS also connect scientific principles to real-world situations, allowing for more engaging and relevant instruction to explore complicated topics.

All three dimensions build coherent learning progressions: The NGSS provide students with continued opportunities to engage in and develop a deeper understanding of each of the three dimensions of science. Building on the knowledge and skills gained from each grade—from elementary through high school—students have multiple opportunities to revisit and expand their understanding of all three dimensions by the end of high school.

Students engage with phenomena and design solutions: In instructional systems aligned to the NGSS, the goal of instruction is for students to be able to explain real-world phenomena and to design solutions using their understanding of the Disciplinary Core Ideas. Students can achieve this goal by engaging in the Science and Engineering Practices and applying the Crosscutting Concepts.

Engineering and the Nature of Science is integrated into science: Some unique aspects of engineering (e.g., identifying problems) are incorporated throughout the NGSS. In addition, unique aspects of the nature of science (e.g., how theories are developed) are also included throughout the NGSS as practices and crosscutting concepts.

Science is connected to math and literacy: The NGSS not only provide for coherence in science instruction and learning but the standards also connect science with mathematics and English Language Arts. This meaningful and substantive overlapping of skills and knowledge affords all students equitable access to the learning standards. Learn more about the NGSS here.

About Mt. Diablo Unified

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic communities, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects.

We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education (CTE); Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is pleased to have opened its first International Baccalaureate (IB) program and three new regional magnet programs for the 2017-2018 school year. Efforts are underway to establish the IB program at the middle and elementary school level. MDUSD also expanded its middle college program, College Now, now serving an additional 35 students.

Business & Educators Shadowing for Tomorrow (BEST) event pairs high school teachers with local health, hospitality, finance, marketing, and other industries to enhance career pathway opportunities and instruction

WHAT: The Business & Educators Shadowing for Tomorrow (BEST) Day, sponsored by John Muir Health in collaboration with the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, the Contra Costa Economic Partnership, and Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD), provides opportunities for Career Technology Education (CTE) teachers at MDUSD high schools to shadow business leaders and experts in a variety of in-demand career industries and fields as part of the District’s commitment to preparing students to compete, contribute, lead, and succeed in the 21st century workplace.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 6, 2018. All participants will meet for program overview and breakfast at John Muir, dismiss for shadowing, and reconvene at 1 p.m. for debrief and sharing-out.

OVERVIEW:

Career and technical education (CTE) can benefit students directly by providing earning advantages before and after graduation. Extensive research points to CTE experiences as essential to motivate students to get involved in their learning by engaging them in problem-solving activities that construct knowledge and by providing hands-on activities that enable them to apply knowledge; bring students and adults together in a setting of collaborative learning; and offer opportunities for students to interact with community members, potential employers, and students and teachers who share similar career/vocational interests.

The BEST day, now in its twenty-first year, will include the following agenda:

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic communities, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education (CTE); Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is pleased to have opened its first International Baccalaureate (IB) program and three new regional magnet programs for the 2017-2018 school year. Efforts are underway to establish the IB program at the middle and elementary school level. MDUSD also expanded its middle college program, College Now, now serving an additional 35 students. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

“A Ride for Ryan” pasta dinner fundraiser tonight at College Park High School to benefit Ryan Joseph

All proceeds will go toward the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible van for Joseph family

WHAT:A Ride for Ryan pasta dinner to raise funds for the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible van to help Ryan Joseph, who suffered a life-altering injury at a wrestling match in January, become mobile again

OVERVIEW: Ryan Joseph, a 16-year-old sophomore and student athlete, suffered a spinal cord injury during a wrestling match on January 10, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. Falcon friends, family, and community members have been raising money via a GoFundMe page to help the Joseph family make changes to their home to accommodate Ryan’s needs and to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van. Ryan recently sent a message to his College Park family to say "I would like everyone to know how much their support means to me. On my worst days I think of all of you and know it is going to be all right."

The College Park High School Athletic Booster club has organized the Ride for Ryan pasta dinner; tickets are $15 per person, including pasta, salad, dinner roll, and water. The meal is being prepared and generously provided by Roxx on Main restaurant in Martinez. Dessert and soda will be available for purchase until sold out. Tickets are available for purchase online at http://bit.do/rideforryan. People who are unable to attend the dinner but would like to contribute may do so on this same website.

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic communities, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education (CTE); Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is pleased to have opened its first International Baccalaureate (IB) program and three new regional magnet programs for the 2017-2018 school year. Efforts are underway to establish the IB program at the middle and elementary school level. MDUSD also expanded its middle college program, College Now, now serving an additional 35 students. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

WHEN: Thursday, January 25, 2018, 3 - 6 p.m. The on-site contacts are Vittoria Abbate, Director, College & Career and Adult Education, at 925-685-7340, ext. 6710 or abbategv@mdusd.org; and Jonathan Roselin, Assistant Director, College & Career and Adult Education, at 925-685-7340 ext. 6705, or roselinj@mdusd.org.

OVERVIEW: The annual Health Fair, sponsored by Mt. Diablo Adult Education, is open to all staff, students, and families of Mt. Diablo Unified, as well as the greater district community. It provides an opportunity for students in the Adult Education career and technical education program to perform job-related skills connected with their training for all visitors to the health fair.

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic communities, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education (CTE); Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is pleased to have opened its first International Baccalaureate (IB) program and three new regional magnet programs for the 2017-2018 school year. Efforts are underway to establish the IB program at the middle and elementary school level. MDUSD also expanded its middle college program, College Now, now serving an additional 35 students. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Parents, students, staff, and community members are asked to nominate a teacher who is deserving of the Teacher of the Year by this Friday, January 12th. Please fill out the attached form and refer to the memo for further information.

Scholarships awarded to top student teams for social benefit innovations including disaster notification network that does no rely on cellphone service and a drone outfitted with a capsule to create rain to assist fire departments

(CONCORD, CA – December 18, 2017) – Five teams of student inventors and innovators were awarded scholarships as the top winners in the 13th annual Digital Safari Innovation Fairon December 14, the culminating event of a semester-long Innovation Project for students in the Digital Safari Academy (DSA) at Mt. Diablo High School. The Innovation Fair was held in conjunction with the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce mixer.

The Innovation Project is an entrepreneurial training program for high school seniors who form virtual companies then spend an entire semester developing their innovative "beyond the edge" products, developing their business plans and preparing to make their pitch for funding before a panel of real business consultants and investors. All the products or services by the student teams must have an environmental, health/safety, or positive social benefit. Students worked with a community partner mentor throughout the course of the project to develop a business plan.

All guests who attended received $50,000 in virtual money to “invest” in their favorite companies. The top five groups are awarded scholarships, based on scores from their preliminary presentations, their business plan, and the investor monies raised. Students in the 1st place group share a $1000 scholarship. Each member of the 2nd place group will receive $100 and each member of the 3rd place group will receive $50. The scholarships were generously provided by the Patrick & Shirley Campbell Foundation of Pleasant Hill, supporting numerous civic and education programs and associations.

1st Place - Disaster Network: A device that does not rely on a cell phone network in order to communicate – targeting areas hit by natural disasters

·Talwinder Lally

·Sierra Smith

·Christian Meda

·Mohit Gurung

2nd Place - The Thinking Machine: A new computer-processing chip using a new material, graphine

·Alana Lanway

·Erick Jauregui

·Jeremiah Lahaina-Fuiava

3rd Place – LOTUS: A thermographic mammogram machine

·Isabella "Izzi" Fleury

·Aldo Escalante

·Daniel Ochoa

·Veronica Nava

4th Place - ARTEmiS: Technological glasses serving the needs of those suffering from mental illness

·Kloyd Ganancial

·Alexsandra Cevallos

·Paiman Nejrabi

·Adrian Canedo

5th Place - Make It Rain: A drone that carries a capsule that would create rain – targeting fire departments

·Webster Gutierrez

·Adrian Meda

·Alberto Romo Gutierrez

·Jonathan Gonzalez

Sixty-two students participated, presenting a total of 16 different projects.

The judges for the Business Plan competition were:

Manual Alonso, Executive Director of Earth Team

Oscar Dominguez, Director, Contra Costa Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, and Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated areas of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 languages and dialects. MDUSD offers award-winning and innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is pleased to have expanded its middle college program, College Now, and opened its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet schools in 2017. Learn more athttp://www.mdusd.org/.

New California School Dashboard shows Mt. Diablo Unified students continue to graduate at a higher rate

Accountability tool includes several key indicators to provide greater context of student and school progress; graduation rate now at 91.2%

(CONCORD, CA – December 8, 2017) – Graduation rates continue to increase for students in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) with African American students seeing the greatest uptick – 8.2% - according to data released by the California Department of Education (CDE) showing results from the new California Accountability Model and School Dashboard. The new accountability and continuous improvement system provides information about how local education agencies and schools are meeting the needs of California’s diverse student population, based on a concise set of measures.

“We are pleased to see this latest set of data on the State’s key performance Indicator categories,” said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Superintendent of MDUSD. The categories include Suspension Rate, English Learner Progress, Graduation Rate, English Language Arts, and Mathematics. New Indicators include Chronic Absenteeism and College and Career; these data are not currently posted by the CDE.

“The Indicators provide us important context by showing comprehensive data that helps us to not only identify our strengths and see where we can expand instructional strategies that have made a difference, but the data also help zero in on areas where students may need more intensive supports,” she added.

The Dashboard includes anEquity Reportthat shows the performance levels for all students on the state indicators. It also shows the total number of student groups that received a performance level for each indicator and how many of those student groups are in the two lowest performance levels (Red/Orange). The total number of student groups may vary due to the number of grade levels included within each indicator.

Highlights include:

Increased graduation rate up .9% to 91.2% overall; the 4th year in a row the rate has increased:

English learners’ growth increased by 3.7%

African American student growth increased by 8.2%

Asian student growth increased by 4.8%

Hispanic student growth increased by 1.6%

Decreased suspension rate

English learners’ rate decreased .5%

Homeless student rate decreased 2.3%

Socioeconomically challenged student rate decreased .6%

Gains in English Language Arts

Hispanic student growth increased by 1.3%

Caucasian student growth increased by 1.6%

Gains in Mathematics

Homeless student growth increased by 4.3%

Filipino student growth increased by 2.3%

Areas of improvement include:

Services to students with disabilities – MDUSD has a high population of students who are considered medically fragile or are high needs and are not on the traditional graduation trajectory

African American and Hispanic students – an achievement gap remains between students of color and their Caucasian counterparts

MDUSD was also found to have again met all local indicators, based on information that regional educational agencies, such as county offices of education, collect locally.

The Dashboard supports the state’s Local Control Funding Formula(LCFF), which gives districts and schools more flexibility in using state resources as outlined in each school district’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Districts and schools have access to the information they need to make the best local decisions about the education of children. New information will help principals, teachers, parents and community members pinpoint specific areas where schools are underperforming and need help. It will also help identify schools that are excelling and can help others by sharing their methods and practices.

In contrast to California’s previous accountability system, which was based solely on annual standardized test scores, the School Dashboard considers several key indicators. Collectively, these indicators provide much greater context to how students and schools are doing.

Instead of numeric scores and rankings, the California School Dashboard assigns colored performance levels. These performance levels are calculated based on how current performance compares to past performance.

The state goal for all indicators is to reach the green performance level.

The performance level (color) is not included when there are less than 30 students in any year used to calculate status and change. An N/A means that data are not currently available.

As more indicators come online, the data will be added to the Dashboard. Future versions of the Dashboard will be published annually; its design and features will be changed over time based on user feedback.

Under California’s LCFF, County Offices of Education, the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), and the CDE have specific responsibilities for providing assistance to school districts (considered by the state to be ‘local agencies’) to develop and implement improvement strategies for student groups which did not grow beyond the “Red” level for two consecutive years.

Of the 18 districts in Contra Costa County, nine of them, including MDUSD, had one or more groups meeting this criteria, and, as such, are eligible to receive support, including technical assistance, professional development or other support to help the student groups progress. MDUSD will receive support for reducing suspensions for African American, foster youth and homeless students, as well as support for improving achievement among these same student groups.

California School Dashboard Report
The Dashboard contains reports that display the performance of local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, and student groups on a set of state and local measures to assist in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas in need of improvement.

California Model Five-by-Five Grid Placement ReportsThe new accountability and continuous improvement system is based on a five-by-five colored table that produces 25 results using five colors. The reports display the schools' (by district) and student groups' placement on the five-by-five colored tables.

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, and Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated areas of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking over 50 languages and dialects. MDUSD offers award-winning and innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is pleased to have expanded its middle college program, College Now, and opened its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet schools in 2017. Learn more athttp://www.mdusd.org/.

Olympic athlete mentors chat it up as part of Classroom Champions partnership activities in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District

More than a dozen video chats between Olympians/Paralympians and their adopted MDUSD classrooms scheduled over next few weeks

Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) students will be connecting with Olympic and Paralympic mentor athletes via live chats over the next few weeks as part of activities with the Classroom Champions partnership, launched earlier this fall.

Classroom Champions, an international education non-profit founded by American Olympic Gold Medalist Steve Mesler, pairs teachers with Olympians and Paralympians as mentors who use video lessons, live video chats, and social media to engage students and encourage them to recognize their potential, set goals, and dream big. Classroom Champions is the first program of its kind to partner with teachers to bring these elite athletes training for their next Olympics or Paralympics into schools to provide ongoing mentorship.

Students at Bel Air Elementaryhave World Cup champion and Olympic hopeful bobsledder Carlo Valdes thinking quick to questions like "Do you want to be a YouTuber?" as part of this week’s video chat with Olympic and Paralympic mentors involved in the MDUSD Classroom Champions partnership.

This February, our nation will come together to root for Team USA in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. MDUSD Classroom Champions teachers, 25 in all across the district, are paired with a winter athlete striving to earn a spot at these Games. In addition to mentorship activities, MDUSD Classroom Champions students will have the excitement of cheering on and interacting with their mentors as they go on their Olympic journeys.

The video chats are providing MDUSD students a chance to interact with their Olympic/Paralympic mentors to ask a variety of questions. To arrange a visit to one of the listed classrooms, please contact

Classroom Champions believes kids have what it takes. Sometimes they just need a champion to help them! Founded by 2010 Olympic gold medallist, Steve Mesler, and Leigh Mesler Parise, Ph.D., Classroom Champions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that teams at-risk and underserved students across North America with Olympians and Paralympians through an innovative, year-long mentorship program. To date, more than 25,000 students across the U.S. and Canada have been mentored by more than 95 Olympians and Paralympians. Classroom Champions has a strong track record of helping students stay engaged in school—a critical component in ensuring students complete their education and go on to pursue fulfilling and productive lives and careers. Classroom Champions’ success in helping to build the critical skills students need to succeed both in and out of the classroom has earned it numerous accolades, including a World Fair Play Diploma. Learn more about Classroom Champions at classroomchampions.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Mt. Diablo Unified

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and opened its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

New grant allows for expansion of innovative partnership with Saint Mary’s College of California, transforming the Special Education teacher pipeline

Area Schools Special Education Teacher (ASSET) preparation program grant will enable MDUSD employees to receive almost $4,000 in tuition support in a unique fast-track credential program

(CONCORD, CA – November 27, 2017) – The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) has been awarded the Area Schools Special Education Teacher (ASSET) preparation program grant from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing that will expand an innovative Special Education teacher credentialing initiative launched a year ago.

The ASSET grant will provide $400,000 over the next five years to offset tuition costs and enable all MDUSD classified employees the opportunity to participate in the credential program with Saint Mary’s College of California (SMC) and earn an intern credential for a Mild/Moderate Education Specialist teaching credential that deems them to be highly qualified Special Education teachers. Classified employees from other local districts in the Contra Costa Special Education Local Planning Agency (SELPA) may also qualify to participate in this project.

Nationwide, there is a critical shortage of fully-credentialed Special Education teachers. Of new teachers entering the profession, data show an overwhelming majority of Special Education teachers are entering the classroom on substandard credentials, unprepared and untrained. In California alone, these shortages have skyrocketed. The Learning Policy Institute, an independent Palo Alto-based education research organization, reports that in 2015-2016, 64% of new Special Education teachers in California held substandard credentials and permits, compared to 36% who held preliminary credentials.

To respond to the need for qualified Special Education teachers, Saint Mary’s Kalmanovitz School of Education created a reciprocal partnership with MDUSD in 2016, enrolling an inaugural cohort of 12 employees serving in classified (non-teaching) Special Education positions into a two-year program with extensive and intensive coaching and classroom support that enables them to earn a credential deeming them highly qualified. This program will begin enrolling candidates for its third cohort beginning in January of 2018 and summer of 2018.

The ASSET grant extends this partnership, supporting the enrollment of approximately 20 more classified employees into the MDUSD/SMC credentialing program this coming year.

An informational meeting on the credentialing program is scheduled for Thursday, December 7, 2017, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the district’s main offices, 1936 Carlotta Street, in Concord.

The credential program was co-designed by Drs. David Krapf and Peter Alter, co-directors of the Education Specialist program at SMC; Dr. Wendi Aghily, MDUSD Executive Director of Special Education/SELPA; and Leyla Benson, MDUSD Executive Director of Human Resources.

“The ASSET grant will allow us to significantly expand and continue our shared work in providing excellent teacher preparation with Saint Mary’s College,” said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Superintendent for MDUSD. “This partnership is allowing us to create a very tailored and supportive pipeline for Special Education teacher candidates and we see opportunities for expanded recruitment efforts into other teaching disciplines.”

With funding from the grant, qualified MDUSD employees will be able to begin coursework in January or the summer term of 2018, and begin teaching in the fall. In addition to this new scholarship, participants will receive a 22% reduction in tuition costs. The MDUSD/SMC initiative also includes three additional components that set it apart from more traditional teacher preparation programs:

Most classes will be held at MDUSD facilities to decrease travel time and increase convenience for interns

Interns are provided an increased amount of “in the classroom” support and coaching. District-funded coaches will provide ongoing feedback, demonstration lessons, classroom resources, and classroom management support in the first year of the program. In the second year, candidates are moved to an intern credential program that deems them to be highly qualified. It is estimated that each candidate will be provided more than 100 hours of support over the academic year.

The program of study has been condensed to allow multiple courses to be taught within each semester, and the program can be extended from 18 months to two years, allowing candidates to attend classes for two evenings a week and maintain a home/work/school balance.

“We are so grateful to the ASSET program and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for supporting our program,” said Dr. Peter Alter, program coordinator and its co-founder. “It will provide substantial financial support for employees who have already demonstrated a commitment to students receiving Special Education services to move to an instructional position.”

Leyla Benson, MDUSD’s Executive Director of Human Resources and program co-founder, agrees. “We have so many talented Special Education assistants who would be wonderful teachers. The stability this opportunity provides is mutually beneficial for students and employees.”

“Special education teachers have a tremendous impact on all students, not just those receiving Special Education services,” said Dr. Wendi Aghily of MDUSD. “Identifying and implementing practices that work for students with exceptional needs into an inclusive classroom is beneficial to all students, not just academically but socially as well. It’s a chance to make a difference at multiple levels.”

“Working as a special educator offers an opportunity to create a unique bond,” said Superintendent Meyer. “The ASSET grant will help us grow our Special Education teacher workforce, create these important bonds, and continue to build an equitable learning environment for all students.”

# # #

About the Mt. Diablo Unified School District

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, and Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated areas of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 languages and dialects. MDUSD offers award-winning and innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is pleased to have expanded its middle college program, College Now, and opened its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet schools in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

“Raising Resilient Girls” is topic for first presentation in this year’s Talk Solutions Speaker Series at Pleasant Hill Middle School

Talk will focus on practical, actionable advice families can use at home to support young girls

WHAT: Pleasant Hill Middle School in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District will host the first of this year’s Talk Solutions Speaker Series with a parent education workshop, “Raising Resilient Girls”, with Simone Marean, Executive Director and Founder of Girls Leadership. The presentation will cover the development of girl dynamics from pre-school through high school. While targeted toward girls, the information will be beneficial for parents of boys as well.

The event is free and open to the community. A Spanish interpreter will be available.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 8, 2017, 7:00 p.m. The event will include a 60-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. Principal Terry McCormick will be the onsite contact, and can be reached at mccormickt@mdusd.org or (925) 256-0791. Dan Roll of Talk Solutions will also be available as an onsite contact, and can be reached at Dan@talksolutions.org or (510) 760-1213.

BACKGROUND: Pleasant Hill Middle is pleased to present its Talk Solutions Speaker Series as an activity to support goals for parent and community engagement.

The first speaker series topic is “Raising Resilient Girls.”

On the surface, girls are thriving. They are outpacing boys in test scores, college admissions and athletic achievements. But beneath the surface experts are seeing a rise in female aggression and depression. Girls continue to suffer from eating disorders, anxiety, abusive relationships and self-mutilation, signs that their internal experience doesn’t match the surface. Girls who appear to “have it all” are being pushed to the brink to maintain their “perfect girl” image. By attempting to excel in all arenas, including appearances, academics and athletics, girls succumb to a pressure that limits them. These “super girls” develop an inability to take risks, practice authenticity and make mistakes. So what can be done to help our girls? How can we help raise them to be more resilient?

Girls Leadership’s Executive Director and Co-Founder Simone Marean has a few ideas about what can be done.

Regularly, Simone speaks to parents and teachers across the country about the challenges girls face today, the reasons why we see girls struggling, and what we can do to help them. Simone shares how to help girls practice assertive self-expression, emotional intelligence and healthy relationships, preparing them for a life of personal and social leadership. Her engaging presentation covers the development of girl dynamics beginning in preschool through high school.

She also tackles topics like The Good Girl Phenomenon, conflict as an opportunity for positive change, and how and why girls can be aggressive with one another.

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have expanded its new middle college program, College Now, and opened its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnets in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Lights On After School Celebration! to showcase Mt. Diablo Unified’s innovative CARES after school programs

WHAT: As part of the national “Lights On After School Celebration!”, Mt. Diablo Unified’s CARES after school program will showcase innovative program highlights, including cooking, gardening, nutrition, arts, intramural elementary sports, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities.

“Lights On After School!” is put on by the Afterschool Alliance, whose mission is to increase public and private investment in quality after-school program initiatives at the local, state, and national levels.

Mt. Diablo CARES program, a partnership with the City of Concord Parks & Recreation and Bay Area Community Resources, provides after-school enrichment and academic support activities at 17 sites, (elementary, middle, and high school) including:

BACKGROUND: The Mt. Diablo CARES is a well-established program with strong support from our community partners as well as from our school site and administration. It is a unique collaborative between the Mt Diablo School District, City of Concord Parks & Recreation and Bay Area Community Resources, who all serve overlapping populations. This support stems from a history of excellent programming, coordination, strong program leadership and shared responsibility of providing services and families in the community. We are a part of the state- wide initiative, Healthy Behaviors Initiative (HBI) identifying exemplary practices in nutrition in After School Programs. Financially we are supported by grants from both state and city initiatives.

CARES operates from the end of the school day until 6:00 pm. There is no cost to students for program participation.

By The Numbers

Number of Schools: 16

Number of Students Served: 2,175

Grade Levels Served: TK-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th

Male: 52%

Female: 48%

Free & Reduced Lunch: 86%

English Learner: 41%

Special Education: 20%

Demographics

Chinese: 1%

Latino: 53%

African American: 15%

Asian Pacific Islander: 7%

Other White: 20%

Other Non-White: 5%

Staff to student ratio: 1:20 per site

Number of credentialed staff: 1-5 per site

Number of volunteers: 2- 5 per site

Number of CARES staff: 5-12 per site

Number of Community Partners: 18 program wide

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) is pleased to have schools throughout the district mark this year’s Red Ribbon Week with a variety of activities and events. Media are welcome to attend the following activities; please contact Ursula Kroemer Leimbach to facilitate visit to school or to arrange to have photos taken and sent upon request.

(Students will wear Red Ribbon Week bracelets provided by MDUSD and will be putting up red ribbons along the playground fence when they say the Red Ribbon Pledge at lunches)

Westwood Elementary

1748 West St., Concord

(925) 685-4202

Principal Nancy Klinkner

Super Hero Day

(Wear super hero costumes or apparel)

Woodside Elementary

761 San Simeon Dr., Concord

(925) 689-7671

Principal Cindy Matteoni

Red Ribbon Day
(Wear as much red as possible)

Wren Ave. Arts Magnet

3339 Wren Ave., Concord

(925) 685-7002

Principal Aline Lee

Sports Fans Say NO To Drugs

(Wear favorite sports team apparel)

Ygnacio Valley Elementary

2217 Chalomar Rd. Concord

(925) 682-9336

Principal Lynn Kissinger

Wear Your Red!

(Wear red accessories with school uniforms!)

Holbrook Language Academy

Let’s Team Up On The Fight Against Drugs

(Wear your favorite sports team’s gear)

Foothill Middle School

2775 Cedro Ln., Walnut Creek

(925) 939-8600

Principal April Bush

Knock Out Drugs

(Assembly/activity)

Mt. Diablo Elementary

Be Positive, Be Kind

(Students will be writing positive sayings and statements on the black top with chalk)

Sequoia Elementary

Peace Out To Unhealthy Choices

(Wear tie dye clothing)

Strandwood Elementary

Shade Out Unhealthy Choices

(Wear sunglasses to school)

Sun Terrace Elementary

Pledge To Stand Together And Lead A Drug-Free Life!

(Wear as much red as possible)

Valle Verde Elementary

Hats Off To Being Drug Free!

(Wear hats to school)

Westwood Elementary

Pajama Day

Woodside Elementary

Wolves Are Too Smart For Drugs

(Wear school colors)

Wren Ave. Arts Magnet

Use Your Head! Don’t Do Drugs!

(Wear crazy or colored hair)

Ygnacio Valley Elementary

Future’s So Bright – We Gotta Wear Shades!

(Wear sunglasses to school)

Friday, October 27, 2017

Holbrook Language Academy

Your Future Is Key, Follow Your Dreams

(Wear your pajamas to school)

Foothill Middle School

Wear Red Day!

Mt. Diablo Elementary

School Pride

(Students wear MDE spirit clothing)

Sequoia Elementary

Sequoia Teams Up To Make Healthy Choices

(Wear Sequoia spirit wear or any sports team apparel)

Strandwood Elementary

Celebrate Red Ribbon Week

(Wear red)

Sun Terrace Elementary

Say BOO to Drugs

(Wear orange, black and purple)

Valle Verde Elementary

Lei Off Drugs!

(Wear Hawaiian shirts and get a free lei)

Westwood Elementary

Wildcat Day

(Wear WE spirit wear)

Woodside Elementary

Heroes Don’t Do Drugs

(Dress like a super hero)

Wren Ave. Arts Magnet

Commit To A Drug-Free Life!

(Wear the color red)

Ygnacio Valley Elementary

Let’s “Team Up!”

(Wear favorite sports team apparel)

Monday, October 30, 2017

Strandwood Elementary

My Future Is Bright Because I Make Healthy Choices (Wear neon to school)

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Strandwood Elementary

Say “BOO” To Unhealthy Choices

(Wear Halloween costume)

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

WHAT: Riverview Middle School in Bay Point will host its 4th annual Dia de los Muertos Family Craft Night for parents, students, and Bay Point neighbors and community members. The popular event will provide participants a variety of activities:

Face painting

Paper flower crafts

Sugar skull decorations

Cookie skull decorating

Yarn crafts

Papel picado (cutting paper into beautiful and elaborate designs)

Games

The school’s Riverview Parent Club has built an Altar de Muertos as part of the event. Participants are encouraged to add a photo, note, or drawing to the shrine to celebrate and honor loved ones who have passed away. The activities are provided free of charge to all participants.

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have expanded its new middle college program, College Now, and opened its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnets in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

BACKGROUND: MDUSD is pleased to host its 5th Annual College Fair, welcoming more than 90 representatives from colleges and universities across the country in addition to numerous local educational and career training institutions. The event is ideal for students in their junior and senior year, and offers an unparalleled opportunity to get answers to questions about educational options and pathways following high school.

Co-sponsored by Rocco’s Ristorante, the College Fair is open to students and parents/guardians from the following MDUSD high schools:

College Park

Concord

Mt. Diablo

Northgate

Ygnacio Valley

Olympic

Nueva Vista/Summit

Prospect/Horizon

Crossroads

Gateway

Diablo Community Day School

Students must present their MDUSD student ID in order to attend the fair. For additional information, please contact event coordinators at mdusdcollegefair@gmail.com. An event flyer in English and Spanish is available here.

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have expanded its new middle college program, College Now, and opened its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnets in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Intradistrict Transfers request period begins October 17, 2017 for the 2018-19 school year. Deadline is November 17, 2017. We are pleased to announce that beginning this year, you will be able to apply using our online form. Paper applications will be no longer be available. 2018-2019 Transfer Form

Mt. Diablo Unified School District continues to monitor air quality conditions as reported and forecasted by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), and AirNow from the National Weather Service.

Due to the current conditions, we will keep Mt. Diablo Unified facilities closed on Friday, October 13 in the interest of the health and safety of our students, staff, and visitors. Athletic events and contests will remain canceled until next week.

We are currently planning to reopen on Monday, October 16, with strict guidelines limiting outside activities. Campuses will be checked over the weekend, and we will send district staff to schools for extra support Monday. We will continue to monitor air quality and health advisories and warnings from these agencies and update you as conditions change.

Resources available for you to directly monitor air quality conditions include:

Air quality for today has been forecast to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. The recommendation is for active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid all outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit outdoor exertion. School principals have been advised to make appropriate changes to athletic schedules and move PE classes and recess indoors.

Dr. Nellie Meyer

Superintendent

Mt. Diablo Unified School District

October 10, 2017

Dear Mt. Diablo Unified Families,

As we shared with you yesterday, the wildfires currently burning in the counties to our north, including Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma, continue to cause concerns about the air quality in the Bay Area. Here in Mt. Diablo Unified, we continue to monitor information from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District which issues air quality notifications for all counties included in their district, including Contra Costa County.

Yesterday, their forecast for the remainder of the week had been for "moderate" air quality conditions for our area. This afternoon, they modified their forecast for the remainder of the week to "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups", recommending that active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, limit outdoor exertion.

We have been asking and will continue to ask our schools to be vigilant about monitoring student activity and being responsive to students, staff, and visitors who may be adversely affected by smoke and other issues. We are also asking our schools to ensure good indoor air quality by keeping windows and doors closed with air conditioning and climate control technologies used as needed to keep classrooms comfortable and students learning.

We will continue to monitor the conditions and provide updates as conditions change.

Dr. Nellie Meyer

Superintendent

Mt. Diablo Unified School District

October 9, 2017

Dear Mt. Diablo Unified Families,

The wildfires currently burning in the Sonoma and Napa counties to our north have caused understandable concern about the air quality in the Bay Area. Here in Mt. Diablo Unified, we are regularly monitoring information from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District which issues air quality notifications for all counties included in their district, including Contra Costa County.

For the remainder of the week, they are forecasting "moderate" air quality for our area. While this does not require schools and businesses to change operations, we are asking our schools to be vigilant about monitoring student activity and being responsive to students, staff, and visitors who may be adversely affected by smoke and other issues. We are also asking our schools to ensure good indoor air quality by keeping windows and doors closed with air conditioning and climate control technologies used as needed to keep classrooms comfortable and students learning.

The senseless shootings in Las Vegas last night has impacted communities across the country, directly and indirectly. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those killed or injured. While this is hard for all of us to understand, it is especially disturbing and confusing to our children. And while not all have a personal connection to the tragedy, I wanted to reaffirm our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all of our students, staff, and families. Counseling and other assistance is always available to any student, parent, or staff member who would like some support or assistance.

Below please find some resources on how to talk to your child about this or other tragedies.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District and the International Institute of the Bay Area Host Immigration Forum Tonight

Information regarding the status of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Act and other immigration concerns

WHAT: Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) and the Antioch office of the International Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA), a nonprofit organization providing immigration legal services, education and other services, will host an informational meeting and presentation regarding the status of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Act and other immigration issues.

BACKGROUND: MDUSD and the IIBA invite all interested high school students, their families, school administrators and staff to a presentation on “Immigration Forum – the DACA Act”. The presentation will be conducted in Spanish with a simultaneous translation in English. Childcare will be provided for children over four years old. Please call the District’s English Learner Services Department if you need childcare so there can be a reasonable estimate of how many children will be in the childcare room. Contact Pati Becerra at becerrap@mdusd.org or (925) 682-8000, ext. 6240 to arrange childcare or for additional information.

On-site contacts will be Carmen Garces, Director of English Learner Services for MDUSD, and Pati Becerra, Community School Coordinator.

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have expanded its new middle college program, College Now, and opened up its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnets in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District

Invites all interested high school students, their families, school administrators, and staff to a presentation about…

“Immigration Forum - DACA Act”

The International Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) will be providing information regarding DACA and other immigration concerns.

Thursday, September 28th, 6:30pm

Willow Creek Center

Multi Use Room

1026 Mohr Lane

Concord, CA 94518

This presentation will be conducted in Spanish with the simultaneous translation in English. Childcare will be provided for children over 4 years old. Please call to let us know if you need childcare so we have an estimate of how many children will be in the childcare room.

International Institute of the Bay Area - Antioch Office a nonprofit providing immigration legal services

Students in Mt. Diablo Unified School District make gains on third year of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) testing

Percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards up districtwide

(CONCORD, CA – September 27, 2017) – Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) students continue to make gains on state assessments, and remain slightly ahead of their peers at the state level, according to data released today by the California Department of Education showing results from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Tests (CAASPP), now in its third year of administration. The data also show the number of students who met or exceeded the state standards increased, while the number of students who nearly met or did not meet the standards went down.

Nearly 17,000 students across the district took the computer-adaptive tests, or about 97% of eligible students. Last year, 96% of eligible students participated.

“We are pleased to see improvement, and continue to applaud our students for working hard to build their skills and confidence in critical thinking, analytical writing and real-world problem solving as measured in these assessments,” said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Superintendent of MDUSD. “And while there is improvement, we know there is much work to be done. Going into this school year, we built in greater supports and enhanced professional development in the area of mathematics, for example, in order to help students meet these more rigorous standards.”

In English Language Arts (ELA), the percentage of students who met or exceeded standards rose for the third year in a row, up 1.05% overall but with dramatic gains at specific grade levels with the percentage of 6th graders meeting or exceeding standards up 7%. In Mathematics, overall gains went up slightly, with Grade 7 seeing the greatest gain of 3%.

“There is more to do with the CAASPP tests; they are more involved but the patience and persistence is paying off,” said Meyer. “We can really zero-in on individual students to see who is doing well and who might be struggling and could benefit from additional support.”

The CAASPP tests changed from a fill-in-the-bubble approach to a modern, online testing system that provides results quickly, and includes optional interim tests and a digital library of resources to use throughout the year.

“There are some real success stories across the district, and we’ll look closer at the strategies used at these schools to see how they can be more greatly leveraged districtwide,” she added.

At Mt. Diablo High School, ELA scores went up 9%; mathematics increased by 3%. Diablo View Middle School saw its ELA score increase by 4%; Pine Hollow Middle School went up 5% in Mathematics. Wren Avenue Elementary, which this year became an arts magnet school, saw its ELA scores increase by 8%. Mountain View Elementary’s mathematics scores increased by 9%. Strandwood Elementary went up 4% in mathematics.

Highlights include:

More students overall are meeting or exceeding standards

More African American and Hispanic students are meeting or exceeding standards in English Language Arts

More Special Education students are meeting or exceeding standards in English Language Arts

The goal of the state’s assessment system is to improve and ensure high-quality teaching and learning, but Meyer stressed the importance of wide-ranging data to frame student performance, and not a single test score.

“The CAASPP is but one tool we use to see how well our students are doing in school. We also have monthly, weekly and even daily measures for monitoring student success, “said Meyer. “We have much to do to close achievement and opportunity gaps, but are grateful to have these scores provide us updated information that allows us to focus on the needs of all students and support teachers and schools in their work to achieve college and career readiness. “

CAASPP Results:

Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) students made gains on the tests, meeting or exceeding state level percentages.

In English language arts/literacy, 50.01% of MDUSD students met or exceeded standards, up from the previous year, compared to 48.56% at the state level, essentially static with last year

In mathematics, 38.6% of MDUSD students met or exceeded standards, compared to 37.56% at the state level; both essentially static with last year

Statewide CAASPP tests support student learning by measuring the skills of all tested students against the same standards in the same way.

About CAASPP (background)

It replaced the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program and encompasses the assessments and alternative assessments for English language arts and literacy, mathematics, and science. (The California Standards Test for Science will be strategically abandoned and eventually replaced by a test aligned to the new Next Generation Science Standards.)

These assessments are aligned with new state standards, which were designed to encourage critical thinking, analytical writing, and real-world problem solving. These are skills students need to be successful in school and in life.

There are fewer multiple-choice questions and more short answers and extended responses that require students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of key concepts.

The new assessments and standards connect to the state’s new funding formula that shifts spending decisions to us locally through the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).

The standards tell school districts, teachers, families, students, and the community what students to show know and be able to do at each level.

The assessments are one way we can monitor our students’ progress in meeting those standards.

We address our students’ needs through our LCAP, which is available here. We thank our advisory groups, school sites, and countless staff, students and community members who provided essential input on the district’s instructional program. You can view a summary of their input here. For additional ways you can get involved, click, here.

This is the first time that 11th graders are automatically opted in to the Early Assessment Program (EAP) College Readiness to assess their level of proficiency with college-level coursework.

Additional Resources

The state provides a wide range of tools to help parents, teachers, and schools understand and use the CAASPP results. Visit the CAASPP Test Score Guide at http://testscoreguide.org/ca/.

Understanding Your Student Score Report. These guides are a one-page resource for parents and guardians to help understand the student score reports. These guides are available in English, Spanish, Armenian (Eastern), Chinese (simplified and traditional), Hmong, Korean, Pilipino (Tagalog), Punjabi, Russian, and Vietnamese.

Grade 3 (English)(Spanish)(Other translations)

Grades 4, 6, 7 (English)(Spanish)(Other translations)

Grades 5,8 (English)(Spanish)(Other translations)

Grade 10 (English)(Spanish)(Other translations)

Grade 11 (English)(Spanish)(Other translations)

§ The Parent Guide to Understanding the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments provides an overview of the CAASPP ELA and math assessment and includes sample questions to help understand the categories students are assessed on:

§ Grade 3 - 5 Parent Guide (English)(Spanish)

§ Grade 6 - 8 Parent Guide (English)(Spanish)

§ Grade 11 Parent Guide (English) (Spanish)

###

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have expanded its middle college program, College Now, and opened its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs this school year. Learn more athttp://www.mdusd.org/.

Current and Future Bancroft Elementary School Parents Are Invited To Meet With District Leadership

(WALNUT CREEK) - On Wednesday, September 27th from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., District leadership will be meeting with Bancroft families to facilitate a conversation addressing pertinent Bancroft issues. The meeting will be conducted in the Bancroft Multi-Use Room. Current and future Bancroft Elementary parents/caregivers are welcome.

Using a rigorous scoring matrix, the PBIS 2017 Recognition evaluated schools in seven categories with possible rankings for Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Sixteen MDUSD schools were awarded a Silver status; four others were awarded a Bronze. Currently, 20schools are participating as PBIS cohort schools.

Although initially established to promote evidence-based
behavior interventions for students with behavior disorders, the PBIS practices were found to be beneficial to a wider group of students. The focus then shifted to the school-wide behavior support of all students, and an emphasis on implementation practices and systems.

In MDUSD, the PBIS program, managed out of the District’s Office of Equity, has in place a multidisciplinary team to work with schools, coach teachers and principals on PBIS and restorative practices, and provide counseling services to students.

“There is a strong correlation between student engagement and lowered incidences of poor behavior,” said Lisa Murphy Oates, administrator for the Office of Equity. “With our district’s priority on students learning in a safe and supportive environment, we can address positive school cultures, high quality instruction, and consistent behavior expectations with support interventions that promote student success.”

The individual schools recognized were:

Cambridge Elementary School

Delta View Elementary School

El Monte Elementary School

Fair Oaks Elementary School

Hidden Valley Elementary School

Highlands Elementary School

Pleasant Hill Elementary School

Rio Vista Elementary School

Shore Acres Elementary School

Sun Terrace Elementary School

Westwood Elementary School

Wren Avenue Elementary School

Pleasant Hill Middle School

Mt. Diablo High School

Olympic High School

Ygnacio Valley High School

Bel Air Elementary School

El Dorado Middle School

Oak Grove Middle School

Riverview Middle School

All 20 schools will be recognized further at the California PBIS Coalition Annual Conference in Sacramento in October.

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Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Olympic athlete mentors revealed as part of new Classroom Champions partnership in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District

MDUSD teachers tomorrow will reveal to their students their U.S. Olympic/Paralympic athlete mentors for the year

Concord, CA – Ahead of this February’s Winter Olympic Games in South Korea, teachers in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District will be revealing to their students the identities of their Classroom Champions Olympic or Paralympic athlete mentors for the 2017/2018 school year. Prior to the reveal, students have been made aware of the mentorship program, and anticipation has been built around discovering who their mentors will be. This mentorship is made possible through a partnership between Classroom Champions and MDUSD.

Classroom Champions, an international education non-profit founded by American Olympic Gold Medalist Steve Mesler, pairs teachers with Olympians and Paralympians as mentors who use video lessons, live video chats, and social media to engage students and encourage them to recognize their potential, set goals, and dream big. Classroom Champions is the first program of its kind to partner with teachers to bring these elite athletes training for their next Olympics or Paralympics into schools to provide ongoing mentorship.

This February, our nation will come together to root for Team USA in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. All of the MDUSD Classroom Champions teachers, twenty-five in all across the district, are paired with a winter athlete striving to earn a spot at these Games. In addition to receiving world-class mentorship, MDUSD Classroom Champions students will have the excitement of cheering on and interacting with their mentors as they go on this incredible journey.

Media are invited to attend and take photos of the mentor reveal events. For interviews with participating athlete mentors such as two-time Olympic medalist bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor or Founder and CEO Steve Mesler, please use contact information below.

Who:

Kim Chamberlain, 4th grade teacher

Adam Welcome, MDUSD Director of Innovation and Technology

Catherine Wittman, Classroom Champions Education Coordinator

When: Friday, September 8, 2017

8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Where: El Monte Elementary School, 1400 Dina Dr, Concord, CA 94519

What: Photos, b-roll and interviews available

Details: Media can meet Catherine and Adam at the office of each school site.

To join the tour at the school or setup an interview with a teacher or MDUSD administrator:

Classroom Champions believes kids have what it takes. Sometimes they just need a champion to help them! Founded by 2010 Olympic gold medallist, Steve Mesler, and Leigh Mesler Parise, Ph.D., Classroom Champions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that teams at-risk and underserved students across North America with Olympians and Paralympians through an innovative, year-long mentorship program. To date, more than 25,000 students across the U.S. and Canada have been mentored by more than 95 Olympians and Paralympians. Classroom Champions has a strong track record of helping students stay engaged in school—a critical component in ensuring students complete their education and go on to pursue fulfilling and productive lives and careers. Classroom Champions’ success in helping to build the critical skills students need to succeed both in and out of the classroom has earned it numerous accolades, including a World Fair Play Diploma. Learn more about Classroom Champions atclassroomchampions.org and follow us onFacebook andTwitter.

About Mt. Diablo Unified

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and opened its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Today, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA program), established in 2012, was reversed. This program provided a way for young undocumented immigrants to have the opportunity to work hard, graduate, go to college, begin careers, and lead meaningful lives as contributing members of our global society. It is estimated that nearly 800,000 undocumented youth are under the program’s umbrella; many of them have only known the United States as their home.

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) is deeply committed to the inclusion of all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, heritage, national origin, immigration status, or other characteristics. We want to assure our students and parents that we remain committed to protecting the rights of every child to an education. Many of the strengths of our nation and community were built on the contributions and accomplishments of immigrants.

In the announcement, the executive branch indicated the administration will “initiate a wind down process,” thereby creating “a time period for Congress to act – should it so choose.” We have heard that this will be a period of six months.

DACA students are called “Dreamers” in view of their relationship to the DREAM Act, proposed legislation that would codify the provisions of the executive order that established DACA. California Governor Jerry Brown is among several governors expressing support of Dreamers, urging Congress to take action; State Superintendent Tom Torlakson is also urging Congress to “ find a permanent path to citizenship.”

We want all students and our community to know that all students have full access to our schools and are protected from pressures and intrusive actions that would disrupt or impair their education. The District complies with all Federal and State laws governing the privacy of student records including the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

We remain deeply committed to all of our students and will do everything we can to ensure their success and safety.

Last night, the County Committee on School District Reorganization voted 3-2 against approving a petition by the Northgate Community Advocacy for Public Schools (CAPS) to establish a new district with our five Northgate-area schools. For a new unified school district to form, the petition for transfer of territory must “substantially meet” nine criteria. Ultimately, the County Committee determined the petition fell short on five of the nine criteria. Nearly 90 people provided public comments both in favor and in opposition of the petition over the course of the 8 ½ hour meeting. I am grateful to each and every speaker – representing teachers, neighbors, students and families – for caring enough about their schools and the education of our young people to stay up late and speak up.

While we believe the County Committee’s decision was correct and appropriate, their action serves only as a recommendation to the State Board of Education, which will consider the petition as required by law. The timing of this is unknown; it can take up to two years for such petitions to be added to the state board’s docket. We would hope that the state trustees take similar action. We respect and appreciate due process.

As a District, we had felt strongly that the petition was flawed. The organizers are passionate in their beliefs. We share many of them including: a need to be accountable, to be responsible, and to be transparent. We also strive to be innovative, collaborative, and competitive. We have made tremendous strides in these areas as a district and greater community over the last few years. Similar efforts in states across our nation have resulted in years being lost in adult conflict rather than student support and success. We cannot allow that here. We need to listen to each other, work together, and live together. While each of us has a unique idea of what constitutes a “community,” there are – and should be – several communities and groups comprising the Mt. Diablo Unified School District.

Parents want to be heard. Teachers want to be heard. Students want to be heard. In recent years, we have established a Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Speaker Series, our Parent Advisory Committee and other district committees, and annual parent conferences as venues to promote communication and collaboration. We will continue to listen, and next plan to do so directly in our unique school communities where stakeholders can join us an informal setting and ask questions, offer ideas, and share input. Starting in the next few weeks, I will coordinate a schedule of these informal sessions in our school communities and invite parents, staff, and students to join me and share what’s on their mind. While we have some tremendous momentum going as a district, it can best accelerate by continuing to engage and include ideas and input from the community. What’s working? What’s not working so well? How can we do things better for kids? We will listen, and ask questions, and ask that you hear us too.

Exciting and innovative new programs and initiatives to welcome Mt. Diablo Unified School District families for 2017-2018!

CONCORD - The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) is very pleased to launch some exciting new programs and initiatives for the 2017-2018 school, offering families more options than ever before for students to have a rich educational experience with extensive opportunities to engage in challenging instruction in science, the arts, languages, technology, project-based learning and develop 21st century skills will help prepare students for the future and global world. Some of the major programs include:

NEW INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) PROGRAM

Ygnacio Valley High School this year will open as MDUSD’s first International Baccalaureate School (IB World School, Diploma Program (DP)). The efforts to be approved for this prestigious and rigorous program were significant, taking the better part of three years and hundreds of hours or training, planning and creative problem-solving. The addition of an IB program to MDUSD creates an incredible opportunity for students and offers numerous benefits. The Diploma Program was established to offer students a balanced, global education; facilitate geographic and cultural mobility, and promote international understanding. The school will offer 14 different IB courses this fall, and offer YV students exclusive onsite and remote access to a vast collection of databases through Gale, a global online research resource.

We are also pleased to pursue authorization to establish Oak Grove Middle School as the District’s second IB school under its Middle Years Program (MYP) for students ages 11-16. The MYP is a five-year program, which can be implemented in a partnership between schools, or in several abbreviated (two, three or four year) formats. Students who complete the MYP are well-prepared to undertake the IB coursework at Ygnacio Valley. The District is also looking to establish an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) as well.

NEW REGIONAL MAGNET SCHOOLS

We are very excited to offer three new regional magnet school options for our families for the 2017-2018 school year! Magnet schools are highly specialized public schools with curricula that are theme-based and technology-rich. Any child can enroll, as enrollment is based on their interest, not where they live. Each subject is aligned to our local, state and national standards but is taught within the theme; teachers receive special training on the best practices for integrating the ‘theme’ throughout the curriculum.

MDUSD’s new magnet schools are:

Holbrook Language Academy

As a language magnet, Holbrook will be offering an exciting Two-Way Dual Immersion (TWDI). The TWDI program at Holbrook will be a TK-5 program that includes English-dominant speakers with Spanish-dominant speakers. Students will receive instruction in both languages. The program will begin at the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) level for the 2017-2018 school year, and be extended to the next grade level in each successive year until it is TK-5. The school will follow a 50/50 model where students spend 50 percent of their day learning to read and write in English, and the other 50 percent learning to read and write in Spanish. The goal of the program is to develop academic language proficiency in English and Spanish, master grade level core standards, and develop cultural proficiency.

Students at all grade levels will also be offered opportunities each week to learn a variety of languages. Numerous multi-cultural events will be held throughout the year, including grade-level presentations emphasizing a unique language and cultural practices for countries where the language is spoken.

It is not necessary for the new language to already be used at home. Dual immersion teachers are specially-trained as both subject area and language teachers, and will work together with families to make sure students are developing both their first and second languages from the early childhood grades.

Holbrook had been closed in previous years, and has undergone extensive modernization work and technology upgrades for the new year. Media interested in doing a preview of this reopened school can arrange for access on Friday, August 18, with the principal and other staff and visiting families. A ribbon-cutting for the re-opening will be held on the first day of school, August 22, at 9:30 a.m.

In a STEM learning environment, powerful critical thinking and exploration practices commonly used in high-performing science, technology, engineering and math classrooms will be drawn across disciplines and connected by cutting-edge technology and extensive hands-on experiences. These have been qualities embraced by Sun Terrace for years and will expand as a more formal magnet program.

In the Sun Terrace STEM lab, students are encouraged to tinker, create, play and explore without the constraints of an objective or directions to follow. Students also engage in design challenges and activities that offer opportunities to meet California's Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in an engaging and exciting hands-on environment.

Wren Avenue Elementary is transitioning to be the MDUSD Visual and Performing Arts magnet school. Strong arts education promotes the skills students need to be successful in all areas. Exposure to the arts promotes self-directed learning, improves school attendance, and sharpens critical thinking skills. Additionally, research has shown that what students learn in the arts may help them to master other subjects, such as reading, math or social studies. The evidence is clear: study of the arts contributes to student achievement and success in school and beyond, and empowers students to excel and thrive as creative, innovative and flexible thinkers ready to meet the demands of the 21st century.

Along with a rigorous academic program, Wren Avenue will offer dance, theatre, music, and visual arts experiences to all students both as independent classes and as interdisciplinary subjects integrated into all core content areas and with state-of-the-art technology. A list of Frequently Asked Questions provides families additional information about the transition to becoming a magnet school.

Mt. Diablo Unified is launching an eight-school partnership with Classroom Champions, a program founded by Olympic Gold Medalist Steve Mesler, pairing MDUSD teachers with American Olympians and Paralympians as mentors who use video lessons, live video chats, and social media to engage students and encourage them to recognize their potential, set goals, and dream big. The focus is on social and emotional skills that students need for success in school and in life, and to help build a culture of resilience. Classroom Champions is the first program of its kind to partner with teachers to bring these elite athletes training for their next Olympics or Paralympics into schools to provide ongoing mentorship. Twenty MDUSD teachers will join the Classroom Champions community of 225 teachers for the 2017/2018 school year.

Olympian and Paralympian mentor facilitation, including live video chats

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Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District Welcomes Families to the 2017-2018 School Year!

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) is excited to begin a new school year and another year of student achievement, growth, and success! We look forward to welcoming back returning families, and are also very pleased to welcome new families and students to be part of Team MDUSD! Here are some reminders and basic information about the 2017-2018 school year:

Students who are new to Mt. Diablo Unified and have never attended an MDUSD school in the past. These students may register online; families must still meet in person with school staff before registration is completed and student enrollment and schedule are confirmed.

Students who were previously attending a district school, but have moved to a different area of the district.

The first point of contact for registration is your neighborhood schools. Transfer requests or special circumstances will be handled by Student Services but the first stop should be the school of residence.

FINDING YOUR SCHOOL

MDUSD assigns neighborhood elementary, middle, and high schools based on street address where students reside, and school feeder patterns – meaning the cluster or family of schools to include a neighborhood high school and the middle school and elementary schools that ‘feed’ into it – are established for students who live in a particular attendance area. Each of our schools have a defined geographic boundary and are intended to serve students who live within that geographic boundary or neighborhood. An exception exists for students who live within MDUSD boundaries for Diablo View Middle or Pine Hollow Middle – schools that do not have an assigned high school attendance area. These students may utilize a School Option Form to enroll in the high school of their choice.

To find your neighborhood school, please use our School Finder tool. Families also have the option of transferring to another school within the district that may have educational programs and services that they’d like for their child. These “intradistrict transfers” are no longer available for the 2017-2018 but will be available to families in October for the 2018-2019 school year.

AGE-APPROPRIATE GRADE PLACEMENT

The Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010 changes the entry date for students enrolling in Kindergarten and 1st grade. For the 2017-2018 school, children must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2017, to be admitted to Kindergarten. Children who turn 5 between September 2 and December 2, 2017, are eligible to enroll in Transitional Kindergarten (TK), providing families an excellent opportunity to give their little ones extended time to prepare for Kindergarten. The Age Appropriate Grade Placement is merely a guide to placement for TK through 12th grade. Schools are encouraged to consider other background factors, such as previous grades completed in making a final decision on an appropriate grade placement.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS: There are some important requirements to ensure your child is successfully admitted and may attend the first day of school.

Birth Date Verification

An original birth certificate or a certified copy, passport, or baptismal record must be used to verify the student’s birth date.

Proof of Immunizations

Proof of complete immunization records must be verified. It is required by California State law that all students have complete records of immunizations prior to entering school. Children will not be admitted to a classroom in the fall unless the immunizations are up-to-date. Please view immunization requirements for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (ages 4-6) and 1st through 12th grade (ages 7-18).

For parents of students entering grade 7 and those new to the district in grades 8-12, please note that your student(s) must show proof of their Tdap immunization against pertussis (whooping cough) prior to the first day of school. Your student will not be allowed to attend school unless you provide proof of vaccination by submitting a copy of the student’s immunization card to your school.

Proof of Residency

Proof of residence is required at the time of enrollment and when a family changes address. Residency verification is necessary to make sure students attending MDUSD schools are residents of their neighborhood school or are on a valid intra-district transfer. Verification items must include:

California requires students to have a completed health assessment 18 months before or up to 90 days after enrolling in first grade. The health examination is given at an early age to detect problems that may interfere with learning. Early identification and treatment are important because an undetected health problem could hamper a child's progress in school.You can download forms to meet the state’s Physical Examination and Dental Examination requirements or obtain them from your school. Learn more about the School Entry Health Examination Requirements here.

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES & FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS

MDUSD is pleased to offer students a wide variety of healthy and nutritious meal options, including meatless menu items, international fare, and extensive fruit, veggie and salad bar offerings. Student culinary competitions result in new items being added to our menus (including the popular student-created Veggie Quesadilla with Yogurt Dipping Sauce!)

Our award-winning Farm-to-School program enables us to collaborate with local growers and farmers to deliver fresh produce to our schools. California-grown fresh foods are featured in our California Thursday menus, and many schools now have campus gardens to grow fresh fruits and vegetables which are included in school salad bars.

We are also pleased to take part in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, which includes helping eligible families receive nutritious school meals at low- or no cost. Our schools send meal applications home at the beginning of each school year. However, families may apply for school meals any time during the school year by submitting an application directly to the school or District or online. The My School Bucks web-based tool allows parents to pay for school meals using a credit or debit card and view their child’s account activity.

Parent Information Packet (PIP) – The Parent Information Packet is an annual publication containing updated information relevant to all Mt. Diablo Unified School District families that includes local, state, and federal policy issues that may impact students and families. These topics include discrimination, harassment and bullying policies, student records and rights, technology policies and more. Please review this publication with your student.

Transportation Services: MDUSD’s Transportation Services help get more than 4,700 students to and from 49 school sites and centers each day. In addition to busing our students with disabilities, Transportation Services also provide safe and secure transportation for field trips and athletic events, and services outlined under No Child Left Behind provisions.

Special Education: MDUSD’s Special Education Department is intent on establishing and maintaining strong communication with families, improving assessment of the needs of children, and improving implementation of special education services. The department conducts multi-disciplinary evaluations and consultations for children who are three to seventeen years of age who may have a disability and reside within the District’s boundaries. If you have questions regarding the delivery of Special Education services for your child, please contact the district’s Special Education Department at (925) 682-8000. A directory of Program Managers and their individual contact information is available here.

After School Programs: Mt. Diablo CARES is a long-established collaboration between MDUSD, the City of Concord’s Parks & Recreation Department, and the Bay Area Community Resources. The program offers homework help, academic intervention supports, supplemental education services, nutrition education and cooking experiences, arts and crafts, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) projects, gardening, and an enviable list of field trip activities.

Homeless/Foster Youth Support: MDUSD’s acclaimed School Linked Services develops and maintains partnerships with numerous public and private agencies to improve the lives of young people in our community and increase their success in school. Its Foster Youth Services (FYS) component provides support and services for foster youth living in home placements made through Contra Costa County’s Department of Child and Family Services and Juvenile Probation. The Homeless Outreach Program for Education (HOPE) provides educational and related services for homeless students in preschool through 12th grade and their families, helping to provide meals, transportation, and referrals to resources in the community.

Uniforms: A few of our middle and several elementary schools have uniforms. Please check with your school to see if there is a uniform policy in place.

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Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

CONCORD - With the new school year beginning next Tuesday, August 22, it is important for students, parents and the public to remember to exercise additional caution on or around school campuses. As experts point out, school safety begins before students arrive at schools, and it doesn’t end until they arrive safely back home. To ensure optimal safety for all students, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) would like to offer these back-to-school safety guidelines.

Walking to School

While going on foot to school can offer some real health benefits, safety should be the top priority for anyone walking to school. Follow these steps to plan a safe route to school.

Find the safest route to school by looking for:

Places to walk or bicycle that are separated from traffic

Choose sidewalks or paths wherever possible, even if that means the trip will take a little longer.

If there are no sidewalks or paths, walk as far from motor vehicles as possible, on the side of the street facing traffic.

Places to cross (if necessary).

Minimize the number of street crossings.

Avoid busy, high-speed or multi-lane roads, wherever possible.

When available, cross at a location with an adult school crossing guard.

Pedestrian- and bike-friendly drivers

Look for places where drivers are paying attention, yielding to pedestrians and cyclists and respecting speed limits.

A comfortable feeling

Use a route that avoids potential problems like loose dogs, the presence of criminal activity, vacant buildings or poorly lit streets.

To avoid injury:
• Never let children under age 10 cross the street alone.
• Teach children to recognize and obey traffic signals and pavement markings.
• Choose the safest route between home and school and practice walking it with children until they can demonstrate traffic safety awareness.

Riding the BusMore than 2,000 MDUSD students take the bus each day to 49 school sites and educational centers, accounting for more than two million miles driven annually by our bus drivers. Although bus travel is one of the safest ways to get to and from school, injuries can still occur, and most of them take place when children are getting on or off the bus.

Some safety tips for riding the bus are:
• Arrive at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the bus.
• Stay out of the street and don't horseplay while waiting.
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before getting on or off.
• Remain seated and keep head and arms inside the bus always.
• Do not shout or distract the driver.
• Do not walk in the driver's "blind spot" -- the area from the front of the bus to about 12 feet in front of the bus.

Bicycle/Wheel SafetyBicycle riding is a healthy and fun activity; good for people and good for the environment. However, unsafe practices while riding a bicycle are still associated with a significant number of childhood injuries. According to a safety study from Safe Kids, while bicycling injuries have been declining, other wheeled sports, such as scootering and skateboarding, have seen an increase.

To make sure children are safe when riding bicycles, scooters, or skateboards to school, parents and children should:

Wear a properly fitted helmet for every ride – they are the best way to prevent head injuries and death in the event of a crash.

Ride with your children until you are comfortable with them riding on their own.

Check all equipment at the start or end of every season.

There are numerous organizations in the East Bay which promote safe and fun bicycle riding. Bike East Bay has a Concord campaign with dozens of free classes for adults, teens, and kids to learn to ride, attend family cycling workshops or gain urban riding skills. Learn more at https://bikeeastbay.org/campaigns/concord.

DrivingMotor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children age 14 and under. Tips from the American Automotive Association (AAA) include:

Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.

Come to a complete stop. Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.

Eliminate distractions. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. And children can be quick, crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging suddenly between two parked cars. Reduce risk by not using your cell phone or eating while driving, for example.

Reverse responsibly. Every vehicle has blind spots. Check for children on the sidewalk, in the driveway and around your vehicle before slowly backing up. Teach your children to never play in, under or around vehicles.

Watch for bicycles. Children on bikes are often inexperienced, unsteady and unpredictable. Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist. If your child rides a bicycle to school, require that he or she wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride.

Talk to your teen. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and nearly one in four fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Petition to Create a Separate School District is Found Deficient by School Services of California

Independent consultant for Contra Costa County Committee on School District Reorganization determines NUSD petition fails criteria pertaining to division of property and facilities costs

(Concord, CA – August 10, 2017) - School Services of California, Inc., an independent consultant retained by the Contra Costa County Committee on School District Organization to analyze the petition by Northgate Community Advocacy for our Public Schools (Northgate CAPS) and its proposed transfer of territory carving out five schools to form a new school district, has concluded that the petition does not meet all nine of the criteria required by California law to form a new school district. All criterion are required for approval.

School Services of California is a business, financial management, and facilities resource for school districts and county offices of education throughout California. Established in 1975, its role is to offer third-party expert guidance for facility and financial and business operations. In its independent review, the organization determined that Northgate CAPS failed to substantially meet specific criterion for equitable division of district facilities and no substantial increases in school facility costs.

“The findings of School Services support our position that the separation of the Northgate-area schools from Mt. Diablo Unified School District is not, in any way, a benefit to the community. We believe these findings will be very compelling for the County Committee,” said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Superintendent for MDUSD. “And while we feel the consultant was conservative in its review, we believe our further study and data will show that the proponents of a new school district also fail to substantially meet several additional required criterion.”

Previously, MDUSD had raised concerns that the petition for the proposed Northgate Unified School District territory – which would encompass Northgate High School, Foothill Middle School, and Bancroft, Valle Verde, and Walnut Acres elementary schools - also includes additional schools physically located within the proposed Northgate district boundary but with separate MDUSD attendance boundaries. Northgate CAPS’ proposed transfer of territory also attempts to take Oak Grove Middle School and Ygnacio Valley High School but it appears to do so without retaining the corresponding student population. To this point, the School Services report stated that the proposed division of school sites would be deemed inequitable and result in significant increases to the cost of providing school facilities to the new district.

The inclusion of the two additional schools but not their students would mean the disruption to and displacement of approximately 2,000 students, the majority of whom are minority. Of Oak Grove’s approximately 700 students, 84.1% are Hispanic or Latino; 1.7% are African American. Of Ygnacio Valley’s nearly 1,300 students, 71.8% are Hispanic or Latino; 5.2% are African American.

The District notes the state’s education code is very clear on this: “a school district shall not be formed or reorganized to include territory which is separated from other portions of one or more other school districts.”

At the previous public hearings conducted by the Committee, public testimony was provided to make clear the proposed NUSD boundaries would also include attendance areas for Highlands Elementary, impacting 53% of that school’s current student body and prompting associated staff reductions and program changes or losses.

The petitioners have not offered any clarity on their intention for these additional schools.

As part of its independent study, School Services determined that Criterion #3 – Equitable Division of Property/Facilities – one of nine criteria required by the State to form a new district – would not be “substantially met.” School Services determined the “reorganization petition specifies the proposed Northgate USD as encompassing all of the territory within the attendance boundaries of five Mt. Diablo USD schools, which, although inadvertent, also includes Oak Grove MS and Ygnacio Valley HS. As drafted, the reorganization proposal would deprive Mt. Diablo USD of two school sites which are needed to accommodate its current enrollment.”

Additionally, the analysis determined the petition failed to meet Criterion #7 – No Substantial Increase in School Facilities Costs. The study found this criterion would not be substantially met because “school facilities cost increases would not be insignificant or incidental to the reorganization. In the absence of significant policy changes, facilities will be needed by both districts to accommodate enrollment at specific grade levels and by the proposed Northgate USD in order to house its district staff and operations. The construction of new facilities or the modification of existing facilities to accommodate students would constitute a significant expense as a direct result of the reorganization.”

Mt. Diablo Unified, from the beginning, has come out strongly in opposition of the attempt to have the Northgate-area secede from the District; the unanimous board expressed united sentiment and voted 5-0 on a resolution opposing the petition.

“As a District, we regularly assess and analyze our programs and progress, and have effectively leveraged our budget to align services and resources so we can continue to serve families at the highest level and with excellent outcomes for all students,” noted Meyer.

A recent presentation at MDUSD’s joint meeting with the Walnut Creek City Council outlined centrally-provided resources for schools, highlighting programs at the five Northgate-area schools included in the NUSD territory. Many of the programs would be moved to other MDUSD schools or discontinued if a Northgate district were to be approved. Special Education programs would be especially hard-hit, with programs like the magnet autism and mild/moderate Special Day Class moving to other MDUSD sites. Students who remain part of MDUSD would continue to be able to access them.

“We have made tremendous progress as a community, in partnership with the community, our families and regional business and workforce development leaders, making innovative improvements in academic and career training programming, expanding valued student support services, and offering more opportunities than ever before for high-quality teacher professional learning and development,” said Meyer. “We want our Northgate families to remain part of this exciting momentum.”

The County Committee will conduct a public hearing on the petition on August 29, 2017, beginning at 4 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Middle School, 1 Santa Barbara Rd. in Pleasant Hill. The meeting is open to the public.

The District unequivocally opposes the petition for several key reasons, including the following:

The proposed division results in a new school district that is far more racially and socioeconomically segregated, depriving students in both districts of an integrated educational experience.

The proposed division results in an inequitable distribution of assets and assessed property values.

The proposed division separates communities and would result in increased negative traffic impacts community-wide.

The proposed division would reduce the size of both districts, resulting in the disruptive shuffling of teaching and staff assignments, including likely necessitating layoffs and the elimination of key District programs.

The proposed division has a negative impact on both potential districts’ financial health and educational programs.

The District has made great strides over the last few years that are now paying dividends in student achievement, teacher recruitment and retention, and the provision of innovative educational programs and opportunities for every student throughout the District. This petition would derail this progress and negatively impact the District’s students, families, teachers and staff.

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. MDUSD offers innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and foreign language and dual immersion programs. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnets in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Conference topics to include Digital Citizenship, developing strong family bonds, bullying prevention, and more

WHAT: The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) is pleased to host its third annual Back-to-School Parent Conference, featuring nearly two dozen educational workshops to provide families valuable resources and tools to help guide their children to a successful school year. The event is free for all MDUSD families. Childcare will be available for children 3 – 10 years old. Space is limited and early registration is highly recommended. Lunch and school supplies will be provided to registered participants while supplies last.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Mt. Diablo Unified believes strongly that the role of parents as partners in education is essential to the success of students in school. By working together, parents and educators build stronger school communities, and help all children reach their potential and graduate with the skills necessary to lead their future world. MDUSD’s annual Back-to-School Parent Conference is designed to support these important parent partnerships with a wide array of workshops with topics ranging from learning the basics about an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to supporting students with Common Core Mathematics to stopping bullying in schools.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Ronald Mah, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, credentialed elementary and secondary teacher, and established and respected author and presenter on topics related to parenting, child development, and teacher education. He is on the Board of Directors of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and has served on the Board of the California Kindergarten Association.

IEP Basics: Learn the Beginning Steps of an Individualized Education Program

Learn the beginning steps of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Parents will learn the initial steps to an IEP for their child and will be walked through the process from the beginning of the initial IEP and everything from how to ask for an assessment to what to do to prepare for the Individualized Education

A2

Government Civic Participation

Practical information about your city and how you can engage with and support your city and your children’s school.

A3*

What’s Going on With Math? How to Support Your Student in Common Core Math

Most new jobs of the future will require post-graduation or post-secondary education or career skills where a strong foundation in mathematics is key. To meet this need, there has been a significant change across the nation in the way students are being taught mathematics at all grade levels. This session will focus on what parents/guardians can do at home to support their elementary and secondary student with these new math standards.

A4

Digital Citizenship

Educate yourself around Digital Citizenship and learn how to support and protect your children as well, while harnessing the power of Social Media!

A5*

College Pathways

In this workshop, parents will learn the basics of the college application process. Learn what classes are needed for the different California colleges and university options (community college, CSU and UC), details and deadlines for college testing and what services your child can access at their school to guide them as they apply.

A6

Meditation for Communication

Learn three beginning meditation skills in a fun and supportive environment. These skills will help you think and communicate clearer-with your eyes closed or opened! Class participation requires sitting in a chair or standing but can be adapted as needed. No previous experience required!

Join the discussion and learn the difference between a bully, victim and bystander. Take home resources to support your child's safety at school.

A8

Transitioning to Peace: Quick Tips to Manage Anger & Stress

In this session we will discuss anger triggers and simple anger management techniques. We will take a stress resiliency quiz, cover positive communication strategies and learn to improve listening skills. This session can be helpful to anyone managing their own anger or stress or dealing with the anger and stress of another.

A9 (Spanish Only!)

Connecting and Bonding With Your Family

(Conexión y Vinculación

Con Tu Familia)

Early on, if parents form a special relationship with their children based on love, respect and honesty, there will be a greater connection; which will increase the potential for better family relationships, improved academic achievement and a successful future. In this interactive workshop we will discuss and practice different ways to develop a healthy and loving relationship with your children. Being a parent is one of the most difficult jobs in the world; nevertheless, it is the most rewarding!

A10

Differing Cultural Values Affecting the School Community

In this workshop, we will discuss cultural values and awareness, as well as the similarities and differences between oneself and others. Learn how to establish relationships and connect with people in a diverse community.

A11

Parenting Your Elementary-Age Child

In this workshop parents will learn to gain the cooperation of their elementary age children in household chores, house rules and schoolwork, through simple yet direct techniques.

Session B Workshops – 11:00 a.m. - Noon

*indicates workshop will offer Spanish translation

B1*

IEPs and How to Support Your Child

This workshop will give you some tips on how to prepare for your student’s IEP meeting to make it efficient and effective. Learn how to participate as a part of the IEP team, ask questions and assist with writing goals. This workshop is designed to take the fear out of the IEP process.

B2*

Literacy Support

Learn about free resources that will bring out the reader in every child. Caregivers will discover new ways to introduce books to new or reluctant readers. You will come to know how even little changes can go far in creating amazing results.

B3

Tips on Communicating With Your Tween and Teen

The teen and tween years can definitely bring many communication challenges for parents. If you often feel like you are talking to hear yourself talk, you may be right! Learn some helpful tips for keeping the channels of communication open and improving your parent-child relationship while reducing the amount of indifference and opposition you get from your child.

B4*

Vape Pens & Teens: What Parents Need to Know

E-cigarettes, vape pens, e-hookah... whatever you call them, these products have grown in popularity among people of all ages and young people are no exception. In fact, use of e-cigarettes/vape pens tripled among middle and high school students from 2011 to 2013. This workshop will provide parents and other adults with an overview of e-cigarettes/vape pens, adolescent use, laws, tips, and resources.

B5*

English Learner Reclassification

Presenter will describe the different MDUSD programs offered to support our English Learners. We will discuss various ways to help your child(ren) at home. Time for questions and answers is included.

B6

Learning Styles and Homework

Everyone is born with their own unique temperament and learning style. In this workshop parents will learn to identify their own style and that of their child, in order to better assist their children with school work. We will explore techniques and tips to make homework more manageable.

B7*

Building Peace with Children, Family, and Colleagues at Home, School and Work

This workshop makes the connections between individual self-esteem in children and their involvement in the peace process. Peace is examined from the perspective of consistency among all relationships. Methods are presented to build self-esteem in children and to protect them from becoming abusers/bullies and/or victims and to promote the development of peacemakers.

B8

Introduction to Executive Functioning

This workshop introduces executive functioning, an area that affects many students in education. Explore what executive functioning deficits look like and learn to help students improve skills in organization, time management, task initiation, and planning and prioritizing. Strategies geared towards all students.

B9

Connecting & Bonding With Your Family

Early on, if parents form a special relationship with their children based on love, respect and honesty, there will be a greater connection; which will increase the potential for better family relationships, improved academic achievement and a successful future. In this interactive workshop we will discuss and practice different ways to develop a healthy and loving relationship with your children. Being a parent is one of the most difficult jobs in the world; nevertheless, it is the most rewarding!

B10*

Career Pathways

MDUSD is committed to making students college AND career ready. Participants will receive a brief overview of the different career pathways in Mt. Diablo Unified School District and hear about the benefits of participating in a career pathway. These benefits include work-based learning and early college credit. Additionally, participants will hear about the district’s efforts to include our elementary schools and our middle schools in work-based learning activities.

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

WHAT: The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) is hosting a regional hiring event to recruit and hire for dozens of substitute positions and classified (or non-teaching) positions across the district. Qualified candidates can apply, interview, test, and be hired in the same day. Classified positions include:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Mt. Diablo Unified recruits year-round for substitute positions, trainee positions, as well as a variety of permanent positions based at school sites or central operations locations. We are pleased to offer to full-time employees a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Many of these positions are ideal for candidates looking for a career change, part-time work, summer employment, or are retired from a previous career or military enlistment and are looking for new opportunities to continue to provide public service. All candidates must provide ID; recent TB test results will help facilitate quick hiring.

A number of classified coaching positions are also available for sports including tennis, basketball, lacrosse, softball, football, volleyball, and water polo. Please view Mt. Diablo Unified’s listing on EdJoin to learn about the specific positions and associated season stipends.

Candidates interested in paraprofessional positions – such as those who assist teachers in the classroom, supervise students outside of the classroom, or provide administrative support for teaching - will be required to take a proficiency exam or provide transcripts with at least two years of college credit. Exam dates in August are as follows; all will take place at the District office, 1936 Carlotta Dr., in the board room.

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

MDUSD chefs team with civic leaders and chefs from popular local restaurants in “Iron Chef” style competition, using locally-grown foods to create meals that meet school nutrition standards

WHAT: Public officials from across Contra Costa County will be paired with a top chef from a restaurant in their respective cities and a chef from Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) with each team competing in an “Iron Chef” style competition to create the best meal using locally-grown foods. Each menu must adhere to USDA school meal standards and include fruit, a whole grain, a protein, and greens or vegetables.

WHEN: Thursday, July 27. Meal preparations start at 4 p.m., with cooking to begin at 4:30 p.m., and judging at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

WHERE: Concord Farmers’ Market in Todos Santos Plaza, located at the corner of Salvio and Grant streets. (Get Directions)

“MDUSD is very pleased to be part of this event, and help draw attention to the importance of student nutrition and our school cafeterias as education centers,” said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Superintendent for Mt. Diablo Unified. “I think our community will be impressed when they see how creatively and deliciously our food services professionals are able to serve our students while adhering to USDA guidelines.”

“We are grateful as an organization to partner with MDUSD to develop education programs that not only set examples within Contra Costa County but statewide and nationally,” said Pamela Singh, Executive Director, Wellness City Challenge. “By capturing science-based data to show these education programs work, we will continue to expand programs with key state and national leaders.”

As part of the event, MDUSD Food Services staff will pick out produce at the Farmers’ Market before the event, and create ‘grab bags’ for the culinary teams to use in the challenge. The protein this year will be chicken or tofu. Chefs will also have access to a ‘field pantry’ with oils, spices, and other items that can be used in the competition. All meals will be served on MDUSD Food Services trays.

Judges will include Contra Costa County Supervisors, representatives from the Contra Costa County Workforce Development Board, and representatives from Safeway, Inc., headquartered in the East Bay.

Several community groups and service providers will host activity booths and information tables to promote health and wellness, including Contra Costa Public Health's Nutrition and Physical Activity and Safe Routes to School programs. Mt. Diablo Unified will also have a booth to provide information about student nutrition and wellbeing. Additionally, personnel from the District’s Human Resources team will be on hand to provide information about available positions in food service and other classified positions at schools and departments across the District.

INTERVIEWS/VISUALS

City officials, local restaurant chefs, and MDUSD sous chefs

Meal preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation

Farmers’ market “grab bags” for challenge cooking

Judging

Award presentation

MDUSD’s on-site contact for media will be Kristin Zellhart, Food & Nutrition Liaison, at (925) 786-5702. Media may also contact Pamela Singh, Executive Director for Wellness City Challenge at (925) 389-9866 or momshouseinc@ymail.com.

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and is planning to open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnets in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Boys Camp and GIRL Camp participants meet together at Diablo Valley College for a joint field trip

BACKGROUND: Students from the 6th and 7th grades in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) and surrounding areas are learning robotics, coding, collaboration and production skills at two robotics camps this week. Both the Girls In Robotics Leadership (GIRL) Camp and first-ever Boys Robotic Camp teach coding, problem solving and leadership skills. Students participate in the camps at no charge thanks to a grant provided by Tesoro. Local professionals with expertise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and careers are serving as coaches and guest speakers.

The purposes of GIRL Camp are to:

< >Build a local community of girls and young women interested in STEM subjects and career opportunitiesProvide role models for young womenStrengthen leaderships skillsDevelop programming, robotics and STEM-centric problem-solving and analytical skillsStrengthen leaderships skillsDevelop programming, robotics and STEM-centric problem-solving and analytical skillsRecognize the roles and debunk the stereotypes of people in STEM fieldsChiDE, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for beginners to learn computer programming in C/C++, a high-level programming language used for nearly every available computing platform. The students will explain their research and detail how their teams collaborated to create the final project.

There are numerous photos and several videos available for viewing and downloading from MDUSD STEM team Twitter account - @MDUSDSTEMCamp – or the main MDUSD Twitter - @MtDiabloUSD.

Scenes from GIRL Camp at Riverview Middle

Scenes from Boys Robotic Camp at Sequoia – the first one just for boys

Scenes from GIRL Camp last week at Valley View Middle

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and is planning to open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnets in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

New budget promotes financial stability; allows for expansion of music, arts, and after school program, more student support services, and increased investments in classroom technology and teacher professional development

(CONCORD – June 23, 2017) – The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) proposed budget for 2017-2018 continues to show a positive ending fund balance for the upcoming fiscal year, as well as the two subsequent years, and provides financial stability that allows for the expansion of valued programs and services students will need to achieve continued academic success.

“We are pleased to once again have a balanced budget that allows us to advance our priorities while also living within our means and planning well for future years,” said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Superintendent of MDUSD. “While we believe funding for education is not where it should be in California, we are relieved to know that the Governor’s 2017-18 May Budget Revision includes approximately $642 million more for education funding than the proposed January budget.”

“This sends a strong message to schools and families throughout the state that the state is beginning to return some equity into education funding and the preparation of our students for college, career, and a California workforce that demands high skills and technical proficiency,” she added.

California’s K-12 funding supports approximately 6.2 million students in 963 school districts; funding is received from three sources – state funding (57%), property taxes and other local sources (29%) and federal funding (14%). The state recession and a slow economic recovery have led to declining state revenue and a corresponding reduction in the state’s funding of K-12 schools. Much of it is based on California Proposition 98, the “Classroom Instructional Improvement and Accountability Act” which requires a minimum percentage of the state budget to be spent on K-12 education.

Despite this, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) has received three consecutive years of “positive” certifications, meaning the State Controller has determined the district will meet its financial obligations for the current and two subsequent fiscal years. Additionally, and unlike dozens of California school districts planning layoffs due to anticipated budget deficits, despite a statewide teacher shortage, MDUSD has not issued a certificated staff layoff notice since 2013. California school districts are expected to issue a high number of teacher layoff notices going into the next fiscal year.

As a state, California is projected to continue experiencing slight decreases in total K-12 public school enrollment. Over the next ten years, a decline in total enrollment (163,000 students) is projected if current trends in population, aging population, and migration hold. As students leave California school districts, revenues are lost and expenditures do not decline proportionately to revenues.

In addition to the revenue changes related to State budget, the proposed Federal budget under the new administration contains reductions of approximately 13% beginning in 2017-18. It has not been determined specifically how these reductions will impact the Mount Diablo Unified School District and other districts in California.

Mt. Diablo Unified has been fortunate to have had large ending fund balances over the past several years, due in large part to the State’s appropriation of one-time funds, which are not used to support on-going expenditures since their continuation is uncertain.

“We have been able to effectively maximize the impact of one-time funds received, making investments in classroom technology, and additional professional development. We’ve also provided a 6% salary increase to our hard-working and dedicated staff, restored student support services cut during the state’s previous budget crisis, and expanded innovative programs that help us provide a rich and responsive learning environment for each and every student,” noted Meyer.

Like many districts in California in 2016-17, the District began spending down its fund balance. With the uncertainty of future State revenues, and the nearly full implementation of funding augmentations under the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), MDUSD will continue to adjust its spending and align ongoing revenue and expenditures. Based on the projections available at this time, and through ongoing three-year analysis windows, the 2017-18 Adopted Budget contains proposed budgeted reductions of $9 million in 2017-18; $11 million in 2018-19; and $5 million in 2019-20. These target dollar reduction amounts have been identified for each year as a starting point. Multi-year reduction targets will adapt to be responsive to evolving factors beyond the District’s control, such as changes in State and Federal revenue, student enrollment, retirement costs, and benefit rate increases.

“The California state budget process involves a very prescriptive timeline with specific and complex steps,” said Debra Mason, president of the Board of Education for MDUSD. “Our budget is presented in a sliding three-year window to look at the upcoming fiscal year and each of the two subsequent years. We never just look at what’s happening next year; we have to look much further ahead to anticipate changes in funding and plan accordingly to meet the goals we developed with our community for our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).”

California Budget Timeline

July 1

Fiscal year begins

July 9 – September 15

Department directors and agency heads initiate detailed reviews and develop budget proposals for their programs for the next fiscal year. These requests for program changes are then sent to the Department of Finance for review.

October – January 10

The Governor evaluates the requests as reviewed by the Department of Finance and sends his or her proposed budget to the Legislature.

January – February

The budget committee chairs in each house introduce the Governor’s budget proposal in bill form. The Legislative Analyst’s Office prepares a detailed review of the budget bill.

March – May

Each house refers its budget bill to their respective budget committees. The bills are then broken down by subject and assigned to the appropriate subcommittees by subject areas. After completion of the hearings, each subcommittee votes and then sends its report to the full budget committee.

Late May – June 15

The budget committee of each house considers the subcommittees’ reports and sends a revised budget bill to the floor for evaluation by the full body. Each house discusses and then votes on its version of the budget bill. The differences between the Assembly and Senate versions of the budget bill are worked out in a conference committee made up of three members from each house. Upon completion of its review, the conference committee submits a single version of the budget bill to both houses. The Senate and Assembly each vote on this final version before it is sent to the Governor. The houses also vote on trailer bills if statutory changes are necessary to implement provisions of the budget bill.

June 15 – July 1

The bill becomes law as soon as it is signed by the Governor due to its status as an urgency measure.

“California’s move to the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) has given, appropriately, much greater discretion to school districts to tailor budgets to their unique needs, student demographics, and individual funding sources. It’s not a one-size-fits-all calculation,” added Meyer. “For this reason, one cannot compare district to district unless the details of each district’s funding is included.”

As an example, some school districts raise funds through a parcel tax, which, unlike a traditional property tax, is assessed on the land itself, rather than the assessed value of the overall property and structures. Parcel taxes can be used to pay for employee salaries, projects, or other spending needs. According to Ballotpedia, elections took place on 656 school district parcel tax requests between 1983 and November 2016. Of the total, 385 – or about 58 percent – were approved, including eight in Contra Costa County: Acalanes Union High School District, Lafayette School District, Martinez Unified School District, Moraga School District, Pittsburg Unified School District, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Walnut Creek School District, and West Contra Costa Unified School District.

Revenues can also be based on an “unduplicated pupil count” of students who are foster youth, English learners, or are eligible for free or reduced price meals – which allows districts to receive LCFF concentration funds and supplemental funds. MDUSD receives only LCFF supplemental funding, which is about 8% over the district’s base state funding; neighboring West Contra Costa County schools receive 17% more over base funding.

The district will present its final budget at its Board of Education meeting on Monday, June 26. All regular board meetings are held at the district’s central office located at 1936 Carlotta Drive in Concord. Public session begins at 7 p.m.

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, and Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Kids and teens can enjoy a fresh, healthy meal all summer long, plus enjoy gardening and reading activities – at no cost!

WHAT: Kick-off BBQ celebrating free summer meals program for students in the Mount Diablo Unified School District. The federally-funded program will provide free meals to children and teens while school is out as a way to keep kids healthy and engaged with their schools and local community during the summer. By partnering with the Contra Costa Library, MDUSD is encouraging children take advantage of summer reading programs to keep learning going year-round, feeding minds as well as bodies.

In partnership with the California Summer Meal Coalition, Mt. Diablo Unified is teaming up with regional farmers to offer fresh, healthy summer meals prepared with fresh fruits and vegetables provided at no cost to residents ages 18 and under. To find locations serving free breakfasts and lunches to kids this summer, text FOOD or COMIDA to 877-877 or visit https://www.summermeals.org/ and enter your address, city, or zip code.

Community partners for the program include California Summer Meal Coalition, Contra Costa Library, Center for Ecoliteracy, First Five Contra Costa, Contra Costa Department of Public Health, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Fresh Approach, and MDUSD’s CARES After School Program

BACKGROUND:

About 22.1 million children and teens receive free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program, but only about 1 in 6 of those – approximately 3.8 million – participate in the summer meal programs.

The Seamless Summer Meals program, sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service, helps ensure that students who would typically receive school breakfast and lunch during the school year continue to have access to free and healthy lunches during the summer time, hence ensuring the food program is “seamless’ as it begins shortly after schools let out for summer break. The MDUSD program is offered at 16 school locations for kids and teens 18 and younger, and disabled adults. (See list of schools)

MDUSD is one of 58 school districts across the state which participate in California Thursdays, a program committed to serving freshly- prepared meals with California-grown ingredients. Extending the program into summer supports children’s health, local farmers and producers, and the community as a whole.

To find locations serving free breakfasts and lunches to kids this summer, text FOOD or COMIDA to 877-877 or visit https://www.summermeals.org/ and enter your address, city, or zip code. MDUSD locations are included on the last page of this release.

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District Summer 2017 Food Service Program

June 19 – July 24*

The Summer Food Service Program serves free meals to all children and teens 18 years and younger.

ALL LOCATIONS FEED ALL CHILDREN

Ninos/as, de 18 y menores, estan invitados a comer almuerzo gratis.

TODAS LAS UBICACIONES DE TODOS LOS NIÑOS LA ALIMENTACIÓN

Library Tuesdays & Thursdays only

Concord Library

2900 Salvio St.

Concord

1:00-1:30

Elementary Mon. - Thurs.

Site

Address

Breakfast

Lunch

Bel Air

663 Canal Rd.

Bay Point

7:45-8:15

12:30-1:00

Cambridge

1135 Lacey Ln.

Concord

7:45-8:15

12:30-1:00

El Monte

1400 Dina Dr.

Concord

7:45-8:15

12:30-1:00

Fair Oaks

2400 Lisa Ln.

Pleasant Hill

7:45-8:15

12:30-1:00

Meadow Homes

1371 Detroit Ave.

Concord

7:45-8:15

12:30-1:00

Shore Acres

351 Marina Rd.

Bay Point

7:45-8:15

12:10-1:00

Sun Terrace

2448 Floyd Ln.

Concord

7:45-8:15

12:00-12:30

Wren Ave.

3339 Wren Ave.

Concord

7:45-8:15

12:30-1:00

Middle Mon. - Thurs. (Riverview is M-F)

Site

Address

Breakfast

Lunch

El Dorado MS

1750 West. St.

Concord

7:15-8:00

10:00-10:30

Oak Grove MS

2050 Minert Rd.

Concord

7:15-8:00

10:00-10:30

Riverview MS*

205 Pacifica Ave.

Bay Point

7:15-8:00

10:00-10:30

High School Mon. - Fri. (YVHS is M-Th.)

Site

Address

Breakfast

Lunch

Concord HS*

4200 Concord Blvd.

Concord

10:00-10:45

Loma Vista Adult Ctr.*

1266 San Carlos Ave.

Concord

7:30-8:00

10:00-10:45

Olympic High*

2730 Salvio St.

Concord

10:00-10:45

Ygnacio Valley HS*

755 Oak Grove Rd.

Concord

10:00-10:45

*through July 25

MEALS WILL NOT BE SERVED ON JULY 3RD & 4TH, 2017 - LAS COMIDAS NO SE SIRVE EL 3 DE JULIO Y 4 DE 2017

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Bldg., 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.

BACKGROUND: Principal Marga Marshall will be sharing updates about Holbrook Language Academy, including information about the exciting Two-Way Dual Immersion (TWDI) program that will be offered as the school reopens in fall.

The TWDI program at Holbrook will be a K-5 program that includes English-dominant speakers with Spanish-dominant speakers. Students will receive instruction in both languages. The program will begin at the Kindergarten level for the 2017-2018 school year, and be extended to the next grade level in each successive year until it is K-5. The school will follow a 50/50 model where students spend 50 percent of their day learning to read and write in English, and the other 50 percent learning to read and write in Spanish.

It is not necessary for the new language to already be used at home. Dual immersion teachers are specially-trained as both subject area and language teachers, and will work together with families to make sure students are developing both their first and second languages from the early childhood grades and one.

Students at all grade levels will also be offered opportunities each week to learn a variety of languages, including Russian, German, and Italian. Numerous multi-cultural events will be held throughout the year, including grade-level presentations emphasizing a unique language and cultural practices for countries where the language is spoken. Extensive opportunities to engage in challenging instruction in science, technology, project-based learning and 21st century skills will help prepare Holbrook students for the future and global world.

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and is planning to open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnets in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Petition by Northgate CAPS to form Northgate Unified District also includes Oak Grove Middle School and Ygnacio Valley High School in proposed territory transfer

As part of ongoing review of a petition by Northgate Community Advocacy for our Public Schools (Northgate CAPS) and its proposed transfer of territory carving out five schools to form a new school district, the Mt. Diablo School District (MDUSD) is reiterating concerns that the territory for the proposed Northgate district includes two additional schools that are physically located within the proposed boundary but have separate MDUSD attendance boundaries.

“Last month, we mentioned in our preliminary responseour concerns that the proposal, which would include Northgate High School, Foothill Middle School, and Bancroft, Valle Verde, and Walnut Acres elementary schools, creates an “island effect” by including the Oak Grove and Ygnacio Valley school facilities but not their attendance boundaries,” said Meyer. “The state’s education code is very clear on this: a school district shall not be formed or reorganized to include territory which is separated from other portions of one or more other school districts. This proposed secession prompts a number of questions.” (Reference: CA Education Code 35543)

“If CAPS’ intention is to include Oak Grove Middle and Ygnacio Valley High School in their territory, is it also their intention to retain those students? Or will these students – approximately 2,000 students – be displaced?” questioned Meyer. “What happens to Oak Grove and YV’s feeder schools? If the CAPS proposal was constructed knowing about these profound school facility and displacement issues, why were there no meetings held with the Oak Grove Middle School and Ygnacio Valley High School communities?”

At the previous public hearings conducted by the Contra Costa County Board of Education in its capacity as the County Committee on School District Reorganization, public testimony was provided to make clear the proposed NUSD boundaries would also include attendance areas for Highlands Elementary, impacting 53% of that school’s current student body and prompting associated staff reductions and program changes or losses.

According to MDUSD, the petition fails to substantially meet many of the legal requirements by which such petitions may be considered for approval.

The District unequivocally opposes the petition for several key reasons, including the following:

The proposed division results in a new school district that is far more racially and socioeconomically segregated, depriving students in both districts of an integrated educational experience.

The proposed division results in an inequitable distribution of assets and assessed property values.

The proposed division separates communities and would result in increased negative traffic impacts community-wide.

The proposed division would reduce the size of both districts, resulting in the disruptive shuffling of teaching and staff assignments, including likely necessitating layoffs and the elimination of key District programs.

The proposed division has a negative impact on both potential districts’ financial health and educational programs.

The District has made great strides over the last few years that are now paying dividends in student achievement, teacher recruitment and retention, and the provision of innovative educational programs and opportunities for every student throughout the District. This petition would derail this progress and negatively impact the District’s students, families, teachers and staff.

The County Committee will have the remainder of the summer to review the Northgate CAPS petition to determine whether it meets the state’s required criteria. Additional hearings – potential leading to a recommendation to approve or disapprove the petition – are expected to take place in early fall.

An action to form a new school district, which is accomplished through any of, or any combination of, the following:

Dissolving two or more existing school districts of the same kind and forming one or more new school districts of that same kind from the entire territory of the original districts.

Forming one or more new school districts of the same kind from all or parts of one or more existing school districts of that same kind.

Unifying school districts, including the consolidation of all or part of one or more high school districts with all or part of one or more component school districts into one or more new unified school districts.

Deunifying a school district, including the conversion of all or part of a unified school district into one or more new high school districts, each with two or more new component districts.

An action to transfer territory, including the transfer of all or part of an existing school district to another existing school district.

(a) Within 120 days of the commencement of the first public hearing on the petition, the county committee shall recommend approval or disapproval of a petition to form one or more new districts or for the division of the entire territory of a school district into two or more new or acquiring districts, as the petition may be augmented, or shall approve or disapprove a petition for the transfer of territory, as the petition may be augmented.

On or after January 1, 1981, a school district shall not be formed or reorganized to include territory which is separated from other portions of the territory of the district by the territory of one or more other school districts.

High school students in Mt. Diablo Unified bring historical costumes and artifacts to local 5th graders as part of a history “road show” service learning project

Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History students from Northgate High School to explore important time periods and themes with 5th graders at Meadow Homes Elementary

WHAT: Northgate High School Advanced Placement United States History classes will spend the day at Meadow Homes Elementary school, facilitating 14 learning stations to introduce 5th grade students to various time periods and themes in U.S. History. The Northgate students, dressed in historical costumes, will engage their younger peers in historical thinking activities, artifact analysis, and group discussion. The day is intended to serve as a powerful service learning opportunity for the Northgate students, and initiate a strong partnership between the school and students and schools in the Monument Corridor area.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Students will arrive by 10 a.m., set up their learning stations, and begin presentations and activities at 10:30 a.m. At 12:30 p.m., both the 5th graders and the high school students will gather for a special brown bag lunch picnic.

BACKGROUND: The U.S. History day is intended to serve as a powerful service learning opportunity for the Northgate students, and initiate a strong partnership between the school and students and schools in the Monument Corridor area. Northgate students are currently preparing posters and other materials to be used in the 5th grade classrooms. The topics being presented include:

Meadow Homes Elementary is located in the Monument Corridor area of Concord. The population of the school is approximately 900 students, representing 23 different cultures. Meadow Homes was recognized as one of six Seal of Excellence Schools in 2016 by the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE), which established the prestigious award to honor schools that have established highly effective programs for English Learners. Meadow Homes was also named a Turnaround Arts: California partner school in 2014, one of only 16 such schools across the state. Turnaround Arts: California is one of twelve localities from across the nation selected by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Arts, and several private foundations.

.

About Northgate High School

Northgate High School is home to approximately 1,600 students from Walnut Creek and Concord. Northgate was awarded this week with a Silver Medal by U.S. News & World Report in its annual Best High Schools ranking; it is the second such honor for the school. It has previously been named a California Distinguished School, a program honoring some of California’s most exemplary and inspiring public schools. The school hosts approximately 50 student clubs and organizations, including school chapters of Junior Statesmen of America, National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation, Model United Nations, the Filipino Cultural Club, Northgate Robotics Group, and Key Club, among others. The school offers 19 Advanced Placement courses in fields including science, math, English, foreign language, history and social sciences, and art.

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD launched its first middle college program, College Now, in 2016, and will open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

WHAT: Mt. Diablo High School in Concord will host its 22rd annual Celebration of Excellence in Education, honoring student chefs and bakers in the MDHS Serendipity Restaurant & Bakery program, part of the school’s venerable International Hospitality and Tourism Academy, emphasizing culinary arts, hospitality arts, and sustainable hospitality coursework. Industry partners, including the Crowne Plaza Concord; community partners, including Marilyn Fowler, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from the Concord Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club of Concord. Mentors and other supporters will also be recognized.

The students have earned numerous scholarships and awards this year, competing with fellow culinary students from across the state. At the recent Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference in Riverside, four Mt. Diablo High School students walked away with the top prizes and more than $69,000 in scholarships and prizes.

The on-site contact for the event is Debbie Allen, Chef/Instructor, at (925) 798-0882.

A Celebration of Excellence

When/What Time:

Thursday, May 25, 2017. Hors d’oeuvres will be served at 6 p.m.; dinner service begins at 7 p.m.

The event is open to families and the public by reservation only; tickets are $30 with some proceeds going to scholarships. Reservations can be made by calling (925) 798-0882.

Photos of students at work in the restaurant/bakery or at recent competitions are available upon request.

About Mt. Diablo High School

Mt. Diablo High School, located in Concord and founded in 1901, is the oldest school in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District.

Mt. Diablo High offers students extensive options for career pathway study with four themed California Partnership Academies (CPA) which integrate rigorous academics with career technical education (CTE) coursework. These academies include:

The Digital Safari Multimedia Academy program, which teaches and integrates digital media into a high school core curriculum using project-based learning.

The International Hospitality and Tourism Academy (IHTA) which teaches the culinary arts and hospitality arts. The program includes the student-run restaurant Serendipity. IHTA also incorporates the Sustainable Hospitality Pathway, which focuses its nutrition and food prep classes on career fields including healthy food service, agri- and eco-tourism, and outdoor recreation.

Academy of Construction & Mechanical Engineering (ACME) which includes Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering and Construction Technology

The school also hosts a highly-acclaimed World Academy, serving students who are newcomers to the United States.

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education (CTE); Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD launched its first middle college program, College Now, in 2016, and will open its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet programs in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Mt. Diablo Unified students to present on environmental science in the classroom at Bay Area Green Careers Conference

and Contra Costa Watershed Forum

Students from Horizons Center for Independent Study to discuss their year’s work monitoring water quality at Grayson Creek

WHAT: Students from Horizons Center for Independent Study in Pleasant Hill will serve as presenters at two environmental conference events this week, sharing the results of water quality monitoring of Grayson Creek throughout the school year. They will discuss what they have learned, detail their experiences working in creeks, and ho w this project will impact them in the future.

The on-site contact for both days is Monica Fliehmann, Teacher/Advisor, Horizons School for Independent Home Study, at (925) 822-7882.

Energize Schools, an organization that helps schools transform education while focusing on energy and environmental literacy, is teaming with Bay Area professionals, and high-school students for the Bay Area’s first Green Careers Conference. Student presenters will share the outcomes of energy education and action projects such as school energy audits, school solar analyses, sustainable design and engineering projects, and sustainable enterprises. They will hear from industry professionals about sustainability careers in clean energy, energy efficiency, engineering, transportation, biology, environmental justice and more, and will be able to connect with higher education institutions, nonprofits, and future employers.

What Else?

The students, identified as the Watershed Project Interns, will provide a presentation titled “Wild Oysters” in the Goldman Theatre from 1 – 1:20 p.m.

The Forum is an open committee of some fifty organizations, including state and local agencies, local non-profit environmental and education organizations, community volunteer groups, and private citizens. Members of the CCWF work together to find common approaches to making our water resources healthy, functional, attractive and safe community assets. The CCWF facilitates local agency and citizen collaboration, fosters innovative strategies for stewardship and protection of watershed resources, and encourages regional capacity building in CCC and neighboring areas. Horizons students are the only student group presenting at the May meeting.

What Else?

The students, along with teacher Monica Fliehmann, will provide a presentation on “Environmental Science in the Classroom”.

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is one of the largest school districts in the state of California, with over 56 school sites and programs serving 150 square miles, including the cities of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Clayton; portions of Walnut Creek, Martinez and Pittsburg; and unincorporated areas including Lafayette, Pacheco and Bay Point. The district is among one of the more ethnically-diverse in California, with students and their families representing more than 50 languages and dialects. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Approximately 350 people were in attendance for the 5th Annual Academy Awards, a recognition event sponsored by the Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District which honors educators, administrators, classified employees, parent volunteers and student volunteer organizations for their significant contributions to schools and the district.

The event was held May 11, 2017, at the Centre Concord, and featured musical performances from students at Foothill Middle School and Walnut Acres Elementary School from their school musicals, “Mary Poppins” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

The Honorable Delaine Eastin, former California Superintendent of Public Instruction, provided the keynote address.

There were nearly 140 nominations in several categories. (View Program)

BACKGROUND: For the fifth year in a row, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and the Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) will hold its annual Academy Awards event, honoring educators, administrators, classified employees, and parent volunteers and volunteer organizations for their significant impacts on the lives of students and families. The keynote speaker will be the Honorable Delaine Eastin, former California Superintendent of Public Instruction and also a former state Assemblywoman. Certificates of Recognition for the nearly 150 nominees will be provided by Senator Steve Glazer, representing California Senate District 7, and Assemblyman Tim Grayson, representing California Assembly District 14.

Students from Foothill Middle School and Walnut Acres Elementary will provide musical selections from “Mary Poppins” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

Student chiefs from Mt. Diablo High School’s Sustainable Hospitality Pathway, in collaboration with Sunrise Bistro, will prepare and serve a wonderful farm-to-table dinner.

Awards will be presented to winners among nearly 150 nominees in the following categories:

The names of award winners will be available on the MDUSD website tomorrow, May 12, but can be provided to members of the media in advance and embargoed upon request. Photos can also be provided upon request. Please consider monitoring the District’s Twitter account for photos and updates throughout the evening.

# # #

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is one of the largest school districts in the state of California, with over 56 school sites and programs serving 150 square miles, including the cities of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Clayton; portions of Walnut Creek, Martinez and Pittsburg; and unincorporated areas including Lafayette, Pacheco and Bay Point. The district is among one of the more ethnically-diverse in California, with students and their families representing more than 50 languages and dialects. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

BACKGROUND: Today’s global economy demands that all students graduate from high school prepared for post-secondary education and career opportunities. As part of its focus to provide high school students with rigorous and relevant educational experiences and career-integrated academics, Mt. Diablo Unified offers students numerous academies and career technical education (CTE) pathways, and an extensive offering of rigorous CTE coursework. Academies and pathways include:

College Park High School

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) BioMedical Science

PLTW Computer Science

Sports Medicine

Art Design

Photography

Concord High School

Human Services Academy

PLTW Engineering

Construction Technology

Commercial Art

Photography

Mount Diablo High School

Medical Biotechnology Academy (MBTA)

Digital Safari Academy (DSA)

International Hospitality & Tourism Academy (IHTA)

Manufacturing & Engineering Academy (ACME)

Architecture

Construction

Northgate HIgh School

PLTW Engineering, Art Design

2D Animation/3D Model Design

Computer Science

Photography

Ygnacio Valley High School

Health Sciences Academy

Education Academy

PLTW Engineering

Sports Medicine

Photography

Art & Animation

SCHEDULE:

11:00 – 11:45 a.m.

Exhibits Open

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Speakers Program and Luncheon

(Desserts prepared and served by (award-winning) Culinary students from Mt. Diablo High School)

The event is co-sponsored by Mt. Diablo Unified, the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, John Muir Health, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEC).

Higher-resolution of the following photos are available upon request. Additional photos, including from other pathways and academies, can also be provided.

Mt. Diablo High School International Hospitality and Tourism Academy (IHTA)

(includes Serendipity restaurant)

On April 8-11, 2017, Kevin Fuller and Debbie Allen from the Serendipity Program, took 8 students to the FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Riverside, CA. Of the eight students they took, five competed in various categories and won over $69,000 of scholarships and prizes.

The results are as follows:

Evelyn Baldoza - 1st place in Decorated Wedding Cakes, and Best of Show, $34,000 in scholarships and prizes

Two seniors from the Serendipity program will each receive a $1,000 scholarship renewable for 4 years from the Concord Rotary.

Concord High School Construction and Engineering Pathway

Mt. Diablo High School Digital Safari Academy

College Park High School Video Production Pathway

Ygnacio Valley High School Health Academy

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and is planning to open its first International Baccalaureate program in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

WHAT: Mt. Diablo Unified will be presenting its preliminary response in opposition to a petition by Northgate Community Advocacy for our Public Schools (Northgate CAPS) to carve out the most affluent portion of the District as part of its proposed transfer of territory chiseling out five schools - Northgate High School, and its feeder schools, Foothill Middle School, and Bancroft, Valle Verde, and Walnut Acres elementary schools - to form a separate district. The preliminary response will be presented at public hearings conducted by the Contra Costa County Board of Education in its capacity as the County Committee on School District Reorganization. (View Board Agenda)

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) tomorrow will present its preliminary response in opposition to a proposal by Northgate Community Advocacy for our Public Schools (Northgate CAPS) to carve out the most affluent portion of the District to form a new school district. Their proposed transfer of territory would chisel out five schools: Northgate High School, and its feeder schools, Foothill Middle School, and Bancroft, Valle Verde, and Walnut Acres elementary schools. The petitioner’s latest proposed attendance boundary map also includes addresses within the current boundaries for Ygnacio Valley High School, Oak Grove Middle School, and Highlands Elementary School. Impacts of the proposed territory transfer would be felt by families and staff throughout the District, not just at the five Northgate-area schools.

“As a community, we cannot allow the interests of a few to supersede the interests of all,” said Debra Mason, President of the Board of Education for Mt. Diablo Unified. “Segregating our school district in this random and divisive way does not represent the values of our community.”

Data show the District has made great strides over the last few years that are now paying dividends in student achievement, teacher recruitment and retention, expanded partnerships and grants, and the provision of innovative educational programs and opportunities for every student in the District.

“This petition threatens to stop this momentum across the District,” said Dr. Nellie Meyer, MDUSD Superintendent. “To divide us would be to derail the progress we’ve been making, and negatively and deeply impact all our students, families, teachers, and staff.”

“Every year, our District continues making improvements that translate directly into a better classroom teaching and learning experience,” said Guy Moore, President of the Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA). “There have been significant investments in teacher professional development, classroom technology and technical infrastructure, and student support services. Teachers are better compensated and have better benefits than they’ve had in years.”

“The petition is divisive on so many levels – and, if segregated, students at both districts would suffer from having to start at ground zero,” added Moore.

According to the District, the petition fails to substantially meet many of the legal requirements by which such petitions may be considered for approval.

The District unequivocally opposes the petition for several key reasons, including the following:

The proposed division results in a new school district that is far more racially and socioeconomically segregated, depriving students in both districts of an integrated educational experience.

The proposed division results in an inequitable distribution of assets and assessed property values.

The proposed division separates communities and would result in increased negative traffic impacts community-wide.

The proposed division would reduce the size of both districts, resulting in the disruptive shuffling of teaching and staff assignments, including likely necessitating layoffs and the elimination of key District programs.

The proposed division has a negative impact on both potential districts’ financial health and educational programs.

The District has made great strides over the last few years that are now paying dividends in student achievement, teacher recruitment and retention, and the provision of innovative educational programs and opportunities for every student throughout the District. This petition would derail this progress and negatively impact the District’s students, families, teachers and staff.

Following Tuesday’s hearing, a second public hearing will be held the following day on Wednesday, May 3rd at the Camellia Room at the Gardens at Heather Farm beginning at 6 p.m. All are invited to attend.

Thereafter, the County Committee will further review the petition and whether or not it meets the required criteria. Additional hearings – potentially leading to a recommendation – will then be held in the coming months.

BACKGROUND: The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) will join the California Department of Education in marking April 25 as School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, honoring the hundreds of drivers across the state who carefully transport thousands of students each day, driving millions of miles annually in a safe, professional, competent, and respectful manner.

“Our school bus drivers are, for thousands of our students, the first face of the school day, and part of an important family of MDUSD staff who, collectively, make up the family away from home for our students,” said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Superintendent of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. “We are incredibly fortunate to have drivers, mechanics, and other transportation team members who have served our students and community for many years, taking seriously the charge of safely transporting students to and from schools each day.”

The school buses operated by the Transportation department of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District travel a 150-square mile radius each day. They presently transport more than 2,000 regular and Special Education students each day to 49 school sites and centers. The fleet of 106 buses drives over 2 million miles a year. The Transportation department also transports students on over 300 athletic trips and over 1,500 field trips each year.

“Our drivers and mechanics start their day early,” said Meyer. “They’re often on the road before 6:30 a.m., and their cargo could not be any more precious or important. The relationships they develop with our students and their families are some of the most important in our district.”

School bus drivers in California are required to meet very rigorous program qualifications from the California Department of Education, and undergo an intense testing and application process with the California Highway Patrol. School bus driver candidates are welcome to apply to MDUSD at any time. Application materials include:

· School Bus Driver Trainee

· School Bus Driver Trainee – Requirements

· School Bus Driver Trainee – 10 Year Work History

· School Bus Driver Trainee – Supplemental Questionnaire

MDUSD drivers will be treated to special refreshments on Tuesday, as well as a surprise for each driver.

1,025 general education and 1,000 special needs students, plus hundreds more for field trips and other activities

# of Stops

Nine buses cover 37 stops daily, plus homework and activity bus stops for general education students. There are 1,000+ stops for special needs students, going from home to school, therapies, and workability programs.

# of Drivers

90 bus drivers help get students to and from school, therapies, workability programs, field trips, and other activities.

Our buses are equipped with a GPS location system and have on-board cameras for the safety of our students and drivers.

To arrange an interview in person or to get original photo files, please contact Ursula Leimbach at (760) 705-6919 or communications@mdusd.org. Copies of the photos below are available upon request.

Bus Driver/Trainer Michelle Samson, our most senior driver, has served MDUSD students since September 1982.

Here Michelle is working with new trainers Sandra Martinez and Robert Green, while a trainee is learning how to drive the bus through the “rodeo” course.

They may be behind the scenes, but our highly-skilled mechanics are essential to making sure our buses are well-maintained to ensure the very safest ride for our student passengers. Jaime Alvarez, left, is one of our newer mechanics, having joined the transportation team in May 2012. Jorge Velasquez, right, joined us in July 2011.

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and is planning to open its first International Baccalaureate program in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

BACKGROUND: Northgate High School student artist Joseph Garcia has curated a collection of student artwork, focusing on the theme of “Emotions”, as part of a senior project and to raise awareness of the benefits of arts therapy for people dealing with depression and other emotional or mental health issues. The displayed pieces range in medium from digital photography to watercolor to oils and pencil drawings. The event is open to the public.

The event will be held at Northgate High School, 425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek., beginning at 5 p.m. this evening. The event is open to the public.

The onsite contact person will be Carolyn Moore, Art Department Chair, Northgate High School, at moorec@msdusd.org or mobile phone at (925) 548-6384. Student artists are available for interviews.

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer award-winning innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and is planning to open its first International Baccalaureate program in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

(CONCORD, CA – April 11, 2017) – The graduation rate for Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) high school class of 2015-16 is 85.3 percent, a slight increase from 85.1 percent in 2014-15, and above the state average of 83.2 percent, according to data released today by the California Department of Education (CDE). The dropout rate for MDUSD fell for the seventh consecutive year to 9.1 percent, down from 11.3 percent the previous year, and below the state average of 9.8 percent.

The district’s graduation rate has increased 10.4 percentage points since the class of 2010 posted a 74.9 percent rate. The dropout rate has declined by more than 50% over the last several years, down 9.7 percentage points from 2009-2010.

“We are exceptionally pleased to see an overall increase in our district graduation rate,” said Dr. Nellie Meyer, MDUSD Superintendent. “This affirms the hard work at all of our schools to offer a challenging education that promotes equity and excellence for all students.”

While graduation rates also increased across the board for English Learners, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, Meyer noted there is still hard work remaining to close the achievement gap for these student groups, as well as students with disabilities.

“We will continue to make essential investments into professional development for our teachers and administrators, to continue the integration of technology into our classrooms as a critical tool for teaching and learning, and continue leveraging our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) to direct resources as needed to those students with the greatest need,” she added. “The involvement of our families and community partners will remain vital to continued progress and improvement across the district.”

Significant graduation rate increases were reported for Concord High, up 6.1 percent from 2014-15 to 94.6 percent for 2015-16. Concord High also reported the most significant dropout rate reduction – from 9.4 percent to 2.8 percent. Other high schools with significantly higher-than-average graduation rates include College Park High School (96.8 percent) and Northgate High School (96.4%). Ygnacio Valley High School remained above the state average at 85.5 percent, but down from 88.8 percent for the class of 2015. Mt. Diablo High School’s graduation rate dipped slightly, down 1.3 percentage points to 85.3 percent. Dropout rates declined at all high schools districtwide.

Alternative schools also reported dramatic graduation increases and dropout reductions. The graduation rate for Horizons School, for example, rose 8.5 percent from 2014-15 to 86.8%. Horizons also reported a 50 percent reduction in its dropout rate, from 18.8 percent in 2014-15 to 9.4 percent.

Highlights include:

More students overall are graduating

Significantly fewer students overall are dropping out

Fewer minority students are dropping out, with rates for:

American Indian/Alaskan Native students down to zero from 14.3 percent

African American students down to 1.6 percent from 6.3 percent

Hispanic students down from 3.6 percent to 2.3 percent

To view and download state, county, district, and school graduation and dropout rates, visit the California Department of Education's DataQuest.

# # #

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We offer innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will be opening its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet schools in 2017. . Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

College Park students in a newly created robotics club called Engineers With Attitude participated in their first tournament, placing favorably in a series of matches among 41 regional teams. Read more via the East Bay Times.

Mt. Diablo High School students grow more than 25 pounds of food per week in 13 vertical hydroponic gardens that require no sunlight and no soil. Read more about it and watch a video via the East Bay Times.

BACKGROUND: Students in the Construction Technology, Civil Engineering and Architecture program at Concord High School, taught by Tom Trowbridge, have literally built their own cottage industry, with the construction of a 20’ “tiny house” – part of a growing architectural and social movement that advocates living simply in small homes. Students last year completed their first tiny house, and it is going up for auction, with funds to be reinvested into the next tiny house project.

An open house is scheduled for March 25, from noon to 4 p.m. at Concord High School. Opening bid is $20,000. For more information, contact Mr. Trowbridge at trowbridget@mdusd.org.

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We are proud of our award-winning staff and extensive honors for our innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD also offers a middle college program, College Now, and will be opening its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet schools in 2017. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Students in Mt. Diablo Unified School District have higher graduation rates,

lower suspension rates according to new California School Dashboard

New accountability tool includes several key indicators to provide greater picture of student and school progress

(CONCORD, CA – March 16, 2017) – Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) students continue to increase graduation rates and decrease suspension rates, according to data released by the California Department of Education showing results from the new California Accountability Model and School Dashboard, now being field-tested throughout the state. The new accountability and continuous improvement system provides information about how local education agencies and schools are meeting the needs of California’s diverse student population, based on a concise set of measures.

“Overall, we are pleased with the dashboard, and that it provides context to student performance by showing growth over time for students, schools and the district,” said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Superintendent of MDUSD. “These results show there is much more to our students than a test score or a number. The dashboard shows data that helps us not only identify strengths, but really gives us an opportunity to drill down to those areas where students may be struggling and we can better see where or why.”

“We look forward to the measurements that will be added later this year, including college readiness and school climate indicators,” she added.

Highlights include:

Increase graduation rate

Decreased suspension rate

Grade 11 students scored gained 11.6 points in English Language Arts and 2.7 points in Mathematics

Areas of improvement include:

Services to students with disabilities – MDUSD has a high population of students who are considered medically fragile or are high needs and are not on the traditional graduation trajectory

Mathematics as measured in grades 3-8

There are three key components to the new dashboard:

Multiple Measures - Instead of relying exclusively on test scores as the previous accountability system did, this new system gives a snapshot of a manageable set of indicators, including high school graduation rates, career and college readiness, English learner progress and suspension rates, while still looking at test scores.

Focus on Equity - Under the previous system, data about student groups was too focused on test scores. The new system provides student group information on a variety of helpful indicators and puts it in one location. Having access to relevant information helps schools and districts understand where students are struggling and ensures staff can respond with resources.

Supporting Local Decision-Making - The Dashboard supports the state’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which gives districts and schools more flexibility in using state resources as outlined in each school district’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Districts and schools have access to the information they need to make the best local decisions about the education of children. New information will help principals, teachers, parents and community members pinpoint specific areas where schools are underperforming and need help. It will also help identify schools that are excelling and can help others by sharing their methods and practices.

In contrast to California’s previous accountability system, which was based solely on annual standardized test scores, the School Dashboard considers several key indicators. Collectively, these indicators provide much greater context to how students and schools are doing.

Instead of numeric scores and rankings, the California School Dashboard assigns colored performance levels. These performance levels are calculated based on how current performance compares to past performance.

The state goal for all indicators is to reach the green performance level.

The performance level (color) is not included when there are less than 30 students in any year used to calculate status and change. An N/A means that data is not currently available.

The Dashboard is being field tested before full implementation in fall 2017. Reports included in the field test are based on the latest state data available as of fall 2016, except for graduation data, which is based on the 2014-15 school year. As more indicators come online, the data will be added to the Dashboard. Future versions of the Dashboard will be published annually; its design and features will be changed over time based on user feedback.

California School Dashboard ReportThe Dashboard contains reports that display the performance of local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, and student groups on a set of state and local measures to assist in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas in need of improvement.

California Model Five-by-Five Grid Placement ReportsThe new accountability and continuous improvement system is based on a five-by-five colored table that produces 25 results using five colors. The reports display the schools' (by district) and student groups' placement on the five-by-five colored tables.

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We are proud of our award-winning staff and extensive honors and recognitions for our innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will be opening its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet schools in 2017. Extensive student support services help ensure an inclusive culture of excellence and achievement for all students to help them prepare for success in college, career, and life. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Students in Mt. Diablo Unified School District have higher graduation rates,

lower suspension rates according to new California School Dashboard

New accountability tool includes several key indicators to provide greater picture of student and school progress

(CONCORD, CA – March 16, 2017) – Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) students continue to increase graduation rates and decrease suspension rates, according to data released by the California Department of Education showing results from the new California Accountability Model and School Dashboard, now being field-tested throughout the state. The new accountability and continuous improvement system provides information about how local education agencies and schools are meeting the needs of California’s diverse student population, based on a concise set of measures.

“Overall, we are pleased with the dashboard, and that it provides context to student performance by showing growth over time for students, schools and the district,” said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Superintendent of MDUSD. “These results show there is much more to our students than a test score or a number. The dashboard shows data that helps us not only identify strengths, but really gives us an opportunity to drill down to those areas where students may be struggling and we can better see where or why. We look forward to the additional measurements that will be added including college readiness and school climate indicators.”

Highlights include:

Increase graduation

Decreased suspension rates

Grade 11 students scored gained 11.6 points in English Language Arts and 2.7 points in Mathematics

Areas of improvement include:

Services to students with disabilities – MDUSD has a high population of students who are considered medically fragile or are high needs and are not on the traditional graduation trajectory

Mathematics as measured in grades 3-8

There are three key components to the new dashboard:

Multiple Measures - Instead of relying exclusively on test scores as the previous accountability system did, this new system gives a snapshot of a manageable set of indicators, including high school graduation rates, career and college readiness, English learner progress and suspension rates, while still looking at test scores.

Focus on Equity - Under the previous system, data about student groups was too focused on test scores. The new system provides student group information on a variety of helpful indicators and puts it in one location. Having access to relevant information helps schools and districts understand where students are struggling and ensures staff can respond with resources.

Supporting Local Decision-Making - The Dashboard supports the state’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which gives districts and schools more flexibility in using state resources as outlined in each school district’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Districts and schools have access to the information they need to make the best local decisions about the education of children. New information will help principals, teachers, parents and community members pinpoint specific areas where schools are underperforming and need help. It will also help identify schools that are excelling and can help others by sharing their methods and practices.

In contrast to California’s previous accountability system, which was based solely on annual standardized test scores, the School Dashboard considers several key indicators. Collectively, these indicators provide much greater context to how students and schools are doing.

Instead of numeric scores and rankings, the California School Dashboard assigns colored performance levels. These performance levels are calculated based on how current performance compares to past performance.

The state goal for all indicators is to reach the green performance level.

The performance level (color) is not included when there are less than 30 students in any year used to calculate status and change. An N/A means that data is not currently available.

The Dashboard is being field tested before full implementation in fall 2017. Reports included in the field test are based on the latest state data available as of fall 2016, except for graduation data, which is based on the 2014-15 school year. As more indicators come online, the data will be added to the Dashboard. Future versions of the Dashboard will be published annually; its design and features will be changed over time based on user feedback.

California School Dashboard Report
The Dashboard contains reports that display the performance of local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, and student groups on a set of state and local measures to assist in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas in need of improvement.

California Model Five-by-Five Grid Placement Reports
The new accountability and continuous improvement system is based on a five-by-five colored table that produces 25 results using five colors. The reports display the schools' (by district) and student groups' placement on the five-by-five colored tables.

Mt. Diablo Unified, located in Contra Costa County, is honored to serve approximately 32,000 students at one of more than 50 school sites in the cities of Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Lafayette, and Pacheco. As part of a richly diverse community, MDUSD families represent numerous ethnic groups, speaking nearly 50 different languages and dialects. We are proud of our award-winning staff and extensive honors and recognitions for our innovative programs in Career Technical Education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); extensive visual and performing arts programs; and rich foreign language and dual immersion offerings. MDUSD is also pleased to have launched its first middle college program, College Now, and will be opening its first International Baccalaureate program and three new regional magnet schools in 2017. Extensive student support services help ensure an inclusive culture of excellence and achievement for all students to help them prepare for success in college, career, and life. Learn more at http://www.mdusd.org/.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District is pleased to announce the creation of a Regional Magnet Program in the north Concord area that will encompass the reopening of Holbrook School and a new partnership with Sun Terrace and Wren Elementary.

Priority enrollment and/or transfer to one of the three Regional Magnet Schools (Holbrook Language Academy, Sun Terrace STEM, and Wren Avenue Arts), is available for students who reside in the Holbrook, Sun Terrace and Wren school boundaries. Boundary information can be found at http://demo.mdusd.org/schoolfinder.

To enroll or transfer your child to one of the magnet schools please complete the online form at https://goo.gl/forms/ljHWV6uocALrDk6g2 You can also contract Student Services at 925-682-8000 x4167 or regionalmagnet@mdusd.org with questions. Information can also be found online at each school’s website at www.mdusd.org. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2017.

Records will be confirmed upon receipt of Regional Magnet School Choice request to confirm address and priority eligibility for enrollment and/or transfer.

Letter to the Community from Superintendent Nellie Meyer: Resources for MDUSD Community

Dear MDUSD Community,

As a school district, we celebrate the diversity of our students, families and staff. This includes different races, faiths, national origins, immigration status, political viewpoints, abilities, sexual orientation and gender identity.

MDUSD welcomes all students and families and considers them valued members of our community. We are committed to ensuring they are always welcome and safe in our schools in accordance with the 1982 Plyler v. Doe U.S. Supreme Court decision which states thatall students, regardless of immigration status, have the right to a free and equitable K–12 education. No one should feel intimidated from enrolling in our district or attending our schools. We believe deeply in ensuring every student is treated with respect.

As an affirmation, on February 13, 2017, the MDUSD school board adopted a resolution stating that we believe in and stand for the values of equity, inclusion, compassion and respect. The resolution also states that we aim to advance the work of racial equity in our schools as it is critical to the success of our community and our nation.

As such, we have the following guidelines in place at our schools:

Staff will not request information or make a record of information on the immigration status of a student or family member. Furthermore, students and families will not be required to provide a social security number for school forms.

If the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency asks for access to a school or for access to student information, they will be referred directly to the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent who will refer the matter to the District’s legal counsel.

The core values of our district continue to guide us through these times: Our students are our priority. We take pride in our diversity. We hold high expectations for ourselves and our students. We treat each other with respect and act with integrity.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your school principal, counselor or social worker. You can also contact our District Community Liaison at 925- 682-8000, ext. 4035.

Opera Singer Carla Dirlikov Canales Visits Students in Concord at Meadow
Homes Elementary School as Part of National Turnaround Arts Program.

***

National President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities and John F. Kennedy
Center for the Performing Arts program reinforces Turnaround Arts: California’s
commitment to enhancing arts instruction in public schools

Concord, CA (January 23, 2017) – Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Carla Dirlikov Canales will visit students at Turnaround Arts: California partner school Meadow Homes Elementary on Friday, February 24. Turnaround Arts empowers high-need schools with arts resources, training, and arts integration into other subject areas as a strategy to address broader school challenges. As one part of the program, Turnaround Arts partner schools receive intensive arts education resources and mentoring from high-profile artists. Meadow Homes Elementary joined this signature program of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in May 2014.

"I'm very excited to be returning to Meadow Homes for another Turnaround Arts visit. I love the kids and the teachers there and have always been made to feel a part of the family within the school. One of the things I think is most important about Turnaround Arts is that it is not a one-off program. We go back, go back often, and build relationships. That is key to our success, and I am committed to the program and to helping advance the ways the arts can assist these kids in their growth in every way I can," shared Carla Dirlikov Canales.

Meadow Homes Elementary is one of 68 Turnaround Arts schools across the country. Turnaround Arts supports a measurable, positive impact on high-need schools by increasing student engagement and narrowing the achievement gap. Research reveals increases in reading and math scores, as well as an increase in attendance and a decrease in suspensions after a few years of participation in Turnaround Arts.

"Carla Dirlikov Canales is the definition of a citizen artist, she invests her time in connecting students to each other and to the world of creativity. Her generosity and leadership in this field has inspired us all," said Turnaround Arts: California Executive Director Malissa Feruzzi Shriver.

Since becoming a Turnaround Arts: California partner school, Meadow Homes Elementary has created an Arts Leadership Team, initiated school-wide arts integration practices, hosted school musicals and community arts events, developed a working relationship with leadership coaches from the Alameda County Office of Education art-centered Integrated Learning Program through the Turnaround Arts: California Regional Coach Pilot Program, and developed a Strategic Arts Plan to guide arts-based school transformation.

Meadow Homes Elementary serves approximately 900 students, representing 19 different ethnic groups. Principal Sandra Wilbanks applauded the Turnaround Arts program for providing the campus an unparalleled opportunity to expand their existing arts education program to further celebrate the school's cultural diversity.

"When you tie arts education into all areas of the curriculum, you create a rich environment for student learning that truly celebrates and honors students’ cultural backgrounds and traditions," said Wilbanks. "Having diverse arts experiences is empowering for students. By exercising creative expression in all subject areas, students can be proud of who they are and how they are developing as young learners and future leaders."

Wilbanks says Meadow Homes' existing arts initiatives and grants have had unexpected but happy consequences in promoting second language development among its English Learner population, which accounts for approximately 78% percent of its 900 students.

"What we've seen is that, through the arts, students have a stronger connection to school, especially for English Learners. This has, in turn, improved the home-to-school and school-to-home engagement with our families," she added. "Carla’s visits have been extraordinary in this regard, creating something that is exciting and meaningful not just for our students but for our families as well. They feel very cherished by her.”

“We all look forward to her visits, and the students talk about it for weeks afterward,” she added.